TODAY.AZ / Society

Azerbaijan can run up solar cooking

24 November 2015 [10:00] - TODAY.AZ

/By AzerNews/

By Aynur Karimova

Energy-rich Azerbaijan is keen on studying international experience in the field of alternative and renewable energy, as well as introduction of advanced technologies.

Today one of the main challenges for the 9.6-million nation with total proven oil reserves of some 2 billion tons and 2.6 trillion cubic meters of gas, is to expand its energy basket by adding energy produced at renewable energy sources there.

Given the increasing necessity, President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on allocation of 1 million manats to develop programs for the development of alternative and renewable energy sources by 2020. Also, the EU has allocated 13 million euros for the unification of legislation of Azerbaijan with the European legislation in this field.

Today one of the main trends in the field of development of renewable energy sources is solar cooking, which is very popular nowadays in many countries.

Solar cooking is a household solar power plant designed for cooking. Its main element is the solar concentrator, focusing the sun's rays on the surface of the radiation detector (pans, boiler, etc.).

Solar cooking is indispensable in rural and remote areas where there is no central gas supply. It allows for cooking food without fueling the fire. Also, there is no need to use coal and wood, to watch for the fireplace and worry about the children who would be harmed by the fire.

Solar cooking also allows for boiling three liters of water in a metal kettle just in 15 minutes or cooking soup.

It is very comfortable in marching conditions as well. After using the "umbrella," it can be folded and put in the trunk of the car, and carried in hands.

Nariman Agayev, the Chairman of the Center for Sustainable Development Research, told local media that as of today, solar cooking is being used in 123 countries worldwide. Geography of solar cooking is extensive, from Africa to Canada.

"Azerbaijan has excellent conditions for the widespread use of solar cooking. We have 300 sunny days a year, and 1 kilowatt solar energy accounts for 1 square meter," he believes.

The expert said using solar cooking is of significant importance for Azerbaijan as it will, firstly, promote the development of small business, secondly, bring considerable revenues to the state budget, and thirdly, contribute to the creation of jobs in the country.

"Thanks to the development of this sector, 4,000 new jobs can be created only at the initial stage. These jobs will be created in small enterprises engaged in the production of special accessories and utensils for solar cooking," he noted.

Aghayev believes that at an initial stage only 1,000 manats is needed to start this kind of business. In this regard the only issue is to inform local entrepreneurs about the prospects of solar cooking and to attract them to the development of this business.

"Solar cooking will be in great demand in the regions of the country, since there are constant problems with the gas supply. Furthermore, shepherds, farmers, who need to heat water or cook food, can use solar cooking in the highlands of the country," the expert added.

Expendable materials of solar cooking, which requires no fuel other than widely available and free source of energy - sunlight, will cost a few dollars, while their assembly will take only 20 minutes, according to Aghayev.

The temperature for solar cooking, which protects the environment and ecology, is not important; the main thing for it is the direct sunlight.

Thus, use of solar cooking saves time, saves money, and "personal" energy that one can happily spend on their loved ones.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/society/145400.html

Print version

Views: 1948

Connect with us. Get latest news and updates.

Recommend news to friend

  • Your name:
  • Your e-mail:
  • Friend's name:
  • Friend's e-mail: