Aytek Babayeva, Deputy Director of Scientific Affairs, Azerbaijan Scientific-Research and Design-Prospecting Power Engineering Institute
Aytek Babayeva, Deputy Director of Scientific Affairs, Azerbaijan Scientific-Research and Design-Prospecting Power Engineering Institute
Aytek Babayeva and Inara Ahmadova, WiRE Azerbaijan Chapter Leader
WiRE Spotlight on Aytek Babayeva
Could you please tell about yourself?
I, Babayeva Aytek Ramiz, was born in an educated family in Baku city. In 1983, I entered secondary school No. 154 of Baku city and graduated with excellent grades in 1994. In the same year, I entered the Faculty of Energy of the Azerbaijan State Oil Academy, in 1998 I graduated with a bachelor's degree, and in 2000, I graduated with a master's degree in "High voltage technology and physics" with honors.
In 2000, I entered the full-time department of the post-graduate course in that specialty at the Institute of Physics of ANAS and graduated in 2003. In 2004, I defended my dissertation to earn Candidate of Science (Engineering) degree on the topic "Computer modeling of open-phase operation of power transmission line and its protection". In 2009-2019, I worked as a scientific secretary of the Azerbaijan Scientific-Research and Design-Prospecting Power Engineering Institute, and since 2020 I have been working as a deputy director.
Can you tell us about your role at the Azerbaijan Scientific-Research and Design-Prospecting Power Engineering Institute? What are your main responsibilities in this position?
First of all, let me note that the main task of the Azerbaijan Scientific-Research and Design-Prospecting Power Engineering Institute is to solve fundamental, applied scientific and technical issues in power engineering, to develop promising projects that meet new, modern requirements in the field of electrical power engineering, and to ensure significant development of power engineering and electrification based on them.
Currently, I am working as a deputy director for scientific affairs. I determine the importance, ways of solution and methods of realization of scientific-research and design-prospecting works. At the same time, I participate in the popularization of scientific knowledge, state-of-the-art achievements of science and technology, scientific conferences, meetings, workshops, Round Tables and international scientific discussions on international platforms in various directions. In particular, I would like to emphasize that I led a number of scientific-technical and innovative projects with young specialists, as a result of which I was the author of numerous scientific articles.
In recent years, Azerbaijan has been particularly active in the energy sector. Can you share with us some of the important projects implemented by the Power Engineering Institute?
Azerbaijan Scientific-Research and Design-Prospecting Power Engineering Institute is an organization that has the appropriate licenses for the designing of electrical power engineering facilities (power plants, power transmission lines, substations) in the Republic of Azerbaijan, carrying out of pre-design topographical, geological and survey works, development of electricity supply schemes of republic, including various regions, cities, settlements and enterprises and other works. perform the works Designing electric power facilities (power plants, power transmission lines, substations), conducting pre-project topography, geology and prospecting works in the Republic of Azerbaijan, electricity supply of the Republic, including various regions, cities, settlements and enterprises development of schemes, etc. In addition to the fact that our institute is a platform for advanced training of young specialists, it closely cooperates with a number of international research institutions.
The design of 13 Nos. small Hydropower Plants (SHPPs) with the total capacity of 119.05 MW in the territories of Karabakh and East Zangezur, schemes of integration into the power system have been prepared, and the construction of 8 Nos. SHPPs with a total capacity of 70.75 MW based on the Institute's design is in progress. In addition, 5 SHPPs with a total capacity of 48.3 MW are in the design stage. In the first half of 2024, which was declared the "Green World Solidarity Year", 32 hydropower plants with a total capacity of 269.6 MW will be operated in the liberated territories.
At the same time, the design and feasibility study for the construction of the "Gobu" Power Plant, which has a capacity of 385 MW and is important for the creation of a ring circuit in the Power System, were also carried out by the Institute.
Another large project based on the Institute's design, which is in progress, is the new 1880 MW "Garb" power plant, whose foundation was laid by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on February 13, 2023.
The "Jabrayil" substation, which was inaugurated on May 4, 2023 with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev under the 330/110 kV "Jabrayil" energy hub project, was built and put into operation based on the design of the Institute.
For the integration into the power system of the solar power plant with an installed capacity of 230 MW built by the Masdar Company of the United Arab Emirates, the 330 kV Garadagh SPP – Janub PP power transmission line was built and put into operation based on the design of the Institute.
COP29 is approaching and the energy transition is in the focus of the world community. How do you see Azerbaijan's role in solving climate change problems and transition to renewable energy sources?
Azerbaijan plays an important role in solving climate change problems and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Azerbaijan is one of the countries with high potential for renewable energy sources.
Thus, the technical potential of renewable energy sources of our country is 135 GW onshore and 157 GW offshore. The economic potential of renewable energy sources is estimated at 27 GW, including 3,000 MW of wind energy, 23,000 MW of solar energy, 380 MW of bioenergy potential, 520 MW of mountain rivers.
The Azerbaijan (Nakhchivan) - Turkey - Europe Green Energy Corridor Project is being implemented in the Republic of Azerbaijan. In the perspective of 2027, 500 MW share of 1750 MW of solar and wind energy is planned to be transmitted to the Republic of Turkey along this energy corridor, and from there to the European Union.
At the same time, on December 17, 2022, the Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the Development and Transmission of Green Energy under the Caspian-European Green Energy Corridor Project was signed in Bucharest between the Governments of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary. At the initial stage of this project, 4 GW of Caspian Sea wind energy is expected to be delivered to the European Union. In the perspective of 2040, it is predicted that 27 GW of power will be transmitted to Europe via the Caspian-European Green Energy Corridor. The production of green hydrogen is also among the targets within this project.
As someone working in the energy sector, how do you assess the current problems and opportunities related to the transition to a more sustainable energy system, both globally and in Azerbaijan?
As someone who works in the energy sector, I consider it important to consider several issues in order to assess a more sustainable power system, both globally and in Azerbaijan. Of these, upgrading and modernization of the power system infrastructure under Infrastructure Modernization can make energy production, transportation and consumption more efficient. And application of more efficient technologies and optimal regulation of energy can increase sustainability. On the other hand, the application, expansion and improvement of renewable energy sources are advantageous in combating climate change by reducing the use of traditional kinds of fuel. Let's not forget that the security and stability of the power system is one of the most important priorities in the energy sector. The high level of security standards makes it possible to ensure protection against malicious interference. As a result, increase of energy efficiency reduces the amount of energy consumed and provides more stability to the power system, eliminates anthropogenic problems.
In addition, innovations and research and development areas ensure the application of more modern and efficient technologies in the power system. In general, taking into account these issues, I see that transition to a more stable system in energy sector is possible and required in Azerbaijan. This requires cooperation, strategic planning and investments by industrial organizations, government, international organizations and social groups. Also, there is a great need for innovations and research and development initiatives.
What have been your most memorable or impactful events in the energy sector throughout your career?
During my career, one of the most memorable events in the Azerbaijani electric power sector were the historic words spoken by President Ilham Aliyev in 2020, during the speech he made at a meeting with a group of employees of the company after the opening of the newly-reconstructed main control, scientific, training and laboratory complex of "Azerenergy" Open Joint Stock Company: "... we have turned from an electricity importing country to an electricity exporting country!" This was an obvious example of the achievement of the power system of Azerbaijan, which has a history of more than 120 years.
Another memorable event was the increasing interest in renewable energy sources in the energy sector of Azerbaijan. The development of such energy sources projects means taking important steps to diversify the country's energy potential and increase the positive environmental impacts, as well as to deliver natural resources to future generations. The logical continuation of this was the integration of the 230 MW Solar Power Plant into the power system last year.
Finally, one of the effective events in Azerbaijan's energy sector was the expansion of cooperation with international partners and the implementation of energy projects at the international level. In this regard, the signing of the Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the Development and Transmission of Green Energy under the Caspian-European Green Energy Corridor Project on December 17, 2022 is, in my opinion, an important event in the history of the energy sector, and at the same time, it proves our country's opportunities in the field of international cooperation once again. It is undoubtedly an important step to support the development of Azerbaijan in the energy sector and to meet modern standards.
What advice would you give to young women seeking to make their careers in energy sector, especially those interested in sustainable and renewable energy solutions?
If young women looking to make their careers in the energy sector are particularly interested in sustainable and renewable energy solutions, it may be helpful to take into account the advices already accepted. The most important of them is the presence of research, innovation and creativity initiatives to achieve success in the field of activity. Professional approach skills are essential to apply new ideas and solutions in the field of energy. Participating in projects and researches related to engineering, technology, economics and information technology during the education and advance training phase can also help to acquire best practices and acquire a slightly different approach. This requires a focus on working with engineering and research teams, gaining practical experience and developing engineering skills. The energy sector is also a vast international sphere. By participating in international conferences, workshops and projects corresponding to the specialty, it is also possible to gain experience on a global scale through the platform of international cooperation. On the other hand, since the energy field is subject to dynamic and rapid changes, having the ability to learn and adapt quickly is an important characteristic for women professionals as well.
These advices will help young women interested in making careers in energy sector take steps toward lifelong development and achievement on their path.
In your opinion, in what ways the collaboration between education, government and industry can be strengthened to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources?
There are several ways to promote more close collaboration between education, government and industry to accelerate the transition to renewable energy.
Educational institutions and industrial cooperation. Educational institutions can form more collaborations with industrial organizations to build greater relationships and create opportunities for applied experience. This will provide students with practical experience opportunities and help prepare them for more experienced and employable positions in the sector.
The government can support the development of new technologies, products and solutions with industrial organizations by organizing innovation centers and research projects. These projects will accelerate the development of renewable energy sources by stimulating new ideas and innovations. In this regard, the Government can attract industrial organizations to develop in this area by providing more financial support for the transition to renewable energy sources. This will ensure the use of more financial resources for research, innovation, infrastructure development and project implementation. At the same time, it can increase opportunities to use each other's experience and knowledge by organizing exchange of experience and entrepreneurship programs between industrial organizations, educational institutions and governmental organizations. This will help to apply experiences and ideas from different fields in the process of transition to renewable energy sources.
I believe that solutions like these will enable greater cooperation and collaboration between educational, governmental and industrial organizations and help to make the transition to renewable energy more efficient. This cooperation will further accelerate the development of the sector by ensuring the integration of knowledge and experience from different perspectives in innovation and production processes.
What are the main challenges faced by women leaders and can you tell us about an incident you faced during your career?
Among the main challenges faced by women leaders, I can mention different views, stereotyping and unfounded thoughts, parallel performance of work and personal life duties, minority of women in government and industrial organizations and specific struggle to achieve success. These challenges are overcome by women leaders demonstrating their skills in various fields and protecting their attitudes. In my personal career, as a woman, I have faced some difficulties. For example, when I once worked in a leadership position, I still witnessed adherence to stereotypes and traditions of inequality, which was very disappointing against the background of a modern and developed society. Additionally, as a woman leader, I have also faced challenges in balancing work and personal life. Balancing the intense demands of work and personal life responsibilities has been a constant and complicated test.
However, despite such challenges, I had incredible supporters and mentors who, through their valuable advices and volitions, strengthened my sense of equality and motivated me to take wise steps. I always appreciate this support to develop and become a strong leader.
Also, as a woman leader who works to share my experiences and knowledge and help support other women leaders, I try to do my part in this regard. Because everything is easier together, and women leaders supporting and developing each other – it is important for our personal and public success.
Finally, can you give brief information about the green energy projects of Karabakh and surrounding regions? Can you tell us about your role in these projects?
Green Energy projects have been implementing in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur economic regions since 2021. Small hydropower plants, that have been abandoned for a long time, have been restored and integrated into transmission networks. In general, the operation of the existing SHPPs in the territories has been rehabilitated, and the control system has been adapted to modern standards. In addition, important steps have been taken in the direction of using solar and wind potential. Small solar stations are already operating in a number of regions. On the other hand, the application of Digital and Innovative Technologies also plays an important role in ensuring progress in this direction.
One of the main tasks of our Institute is to investigate the possibilities of integrating renewable energy sources into the existing power system, to develop projects ensuring their more efficient and effective use. I can proudly say that the Karabakh region, which has been declared a Green Energy Zone, will take its rightful place in the international rankings as a candidate area for "CO2-Zero" status in the near future.
