Arctech’s SkyLine II Powers Azerbaijan’s Largest Solar Plant, Accelerating Renewable Energy Transition

Azerbaijan’s ambitious journey towards renewable energy took a significant leap forward with the successful commissioning of its inaugural and largest utility-scale solar power plant. Located in the challenging Garadagh Gobi Desert, this 312 megawatt (MW) facility is a testament to both Azerbaijan’s commitment to a greener future and the cutting-edge technology provided by Arctech, a global leader in solar tracking and racking solutions.

The project presented unique challenges. Situated near the coastline, the Garadagh Gobi Desert boasts undulating terrain, unpredictable weather patterns, and a highly corrosive environment. However, Arctech’s flagship SkyLine II solar tracker system proved perfectly suited to overcome these obstacles. Its innovative synchronous multi-point drive mechanism ensures operational stability even during strong winds, significantly reducing wind pressure on the solar panels and enhancing overall system efficiency. This advanced technology minimizes the impact of the harsh desert winds, maximizing energy capture throughout the day.

Furthermore, the SkyLine II’s terrain-following capabilities seamlessly adapt to the complex topography of the site. This intelligent design reduces the need for extensive and potentially environmentally damaging earthworks, preserving the delicate desert ecosystem. The system’s robust construction is designed to withstand the harsh conditions. Arctech employed hot-dip galvanization and pre-galvanization treatments for steel components, and anodization for aluminum alloys, guaranteeing compliance with C3 or C4 corrosion resistance standards and a remarkable 25-year service life. This long-term durability ensures the plant’s continued operation and return on investment.

The 550-hectare Garadagh solar plant generates an impressive 500 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean energy annually. This substantial output is enough to power approximately 110,000 households, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon dioxide emissions by over 200,000 tons per year. This substantial reduction in emissions aligns directly with Azerbaijan’s national goals, further solidifying its position as a regional leader in sustainable energy development.

This achievement comes on the heels of COP29, held in Baku, where several agreements were made to facilitate the global energy transition. Azerbaijan, blessed with abundant sunshine (2,400 to 3,200 hours annually), is aggressively pursuing its renewable energy targets. The country aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050 and increase renewable energy capacity to 30% by 2030, significantly diversifying its energy mix.

Arctech’s commitment to global sustainability extends beyond this project. The company has established comprehensive local teams worldwide, providing sales, technical support, supply chain management, after-sales service, local operation and maintenance, and brand marketing. This localized approach ensures the long-term stability and operational excellence of solar projects globally, fostering a sustainable future powered by clean energy. Learn more about Arctech’s innovative solutions by connecting with them on LinkedIn.

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