Energy is one of the oldest links between Ireland and Azerbaijan, and one of the fastest-changing. So it made sense to give it a working group of its own.
The new Energy and Renewables working group will be chaired by Declan Moran, managing director of Kilbeg Energy and Chair of the IABA board. It’s open to any member working in or around the sector: engineers, suppliers, consultants, investors, and anyone who simply wants to understand the market better.
What the group will do
- Meet four times a year, in person in Dublin and online for members in Baku
- Invite guest speakers from both countries to talk about their projects and plans
- Share practical experience of tenders, partners and regulations
- Feed members’ ideas into IABA events and briefings
“There’s a lot happening in wind and solar in Azerbaijan, and Ireland has plenty of hard-won experience to offer,” says Declan. “I’d like this group to be the place where those two things meet.”
The first meeting takes place in September. To join, reply to your member newsletter or get in touch.
Azerbaijan is best known for oil and gas, but it’s also investing in wind and solar. The government has set a goal for renewables to make up around 30% of the country’s electricity capacity by 2030. The first large solar plant is already running, and more projects are on the way.
Where Ireland comes in
Ireland has spent more than twenty years building wind farms, first on land and now at sea, often in tough Atlantic conditions. That experience in planning, grid connections, engineering and maintenance is exactly what a new market needs.
Opportunities our members are talking about
- Consultancy on planning, environmental studies and grid connections
- Engineering, installation and maintenance services
- Training for technicians and engineers
- Research partnerships between Irish and Azerbaijani universities
Look beyond Azerbaijan
Projects in Georgia and across the wider region often involve the same developers, banks and advisers. A foothold in Baku can open doors right across the South Caucasus.
Getting started
Large projects are usually led by international developers, so many Irish firms start out as subcontractors or specialist advisers. Our Energy and Renewables working group meets regularly to share leads and experience, and new faces are always welcome.
Find out about the working group, or get in touch for an introduction.