Baku: A water area in the Caspian Sea section belonging to Azerbaijan has been designated as a renewable energy zone, APA reports. Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed a decision allocating 711.4 square kilometers for the development of offshore wind power plants, aiming for efficient use of renewable energy sources in electricity generation.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Ministry of Energy in Azerbaijan will select an electricity producer for this renewable energy zone, following the Rules for Selecting an Electricity Producer in a Renewable Energy Zone, approved by Presidential Decree No. 2285 dated August 2, 2023. A land management map detailing the location, dimensions, and boundaries of the area accompanies the decision.

From the decision's enactment date, construction permits for offshore wind power plants within the designated area must be obtained under the Urban Planning and Construction Code of Azerbaijan, within the timeframe set by Article 6.7 of the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources in Electricity Generation.

The State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture will notify the Cabinet of Ministers within three days after construction permission is either granted or the period for issuing such permission expires. Oversight for implementing this decision falls under the Agrarian and Ecology Department of the Office of the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.