Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) has announced the commencement of a green energy project marking its contribution to the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).
A conference titled “Climate Solutions for Sensitive Countries” was organized at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU) through a joint initiative between AzTU and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI).
The objective was to explore appropriate technological solutions for individuals and communities in vulnerable developing countries, including smart technologies that can facilitate the mobilization of finance, low-cost and affordable tools for climate change mitigation and adaptation, and ways to mitigate the loss and damage caused by the negative effects of climate change.
In addition, comprehensive analyzes were presented at the conference to identify actionable recommendations for reducing the impact of climate change and developing adaptation in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.
At the conference, AzTU Rector Vilayat Valiyev underscored the event’s importance during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Azerbaijan. He emphasized that combating climate change is a universal challenge that affects all nations, regardless of their development level.
Rector announced two project initiatives of AzTU in the context of “Sustainable University” as a contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The first project is called “Protection and sustainable management of water resources in countries vulnerable to climate change”. This research project, aimed at countries in need of efficient management of water resources, including Azerbaijan, will include technical and economic evaluations of rainwater harvesting, waste water recycling, seawater desalination in coastal areas, and sustainable management of water resources of nohur and marshes.
The second project concerns the supply of green energy to the Green Technology Park that AzTU will create on a one-hectare area. Solar panels with a total capacity of 1.5 megawatts will be installed on the roofs of the buildings in the park. In addition to generating electricity, the panels will also act as windows to let in natural light. With the implementation of the project, AzTU will autonomously supply the needs of its campus with green energy, as well as supply the surrounding facilities with energy.
Speaking later, Mujdat Hasanov, head of the International Cooperation Department of the State Agency for Science and Higher Education, stated that research on climate change has increased in higher education institutions in recent years and noted the importance of regional and international cooperation in this field. He said that the event held at AzTU plays the role of a platform and it is necessary to hold it regularly.
Tetsushi Sonobe, director of ADBI, welcomed the participants and expressed his satisfaction with the COP29 event hosted in Azerbaijan. He stated that the conference organized in collaboration with AzTU contributes to COP29. Highlighting ADBI’s role as a “think tank” that addresses global challenges like climate change, he noted that similar conferences would be held as part of a series.
The event proceeded with panel sessions focused on various climate-related topics.
