BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE WITH WIND ENERGY: AZERBAIJAN’S AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR KARABAKH

Sammanfattning: Transitioning to renewable energy is critical for reaching global sustainable development goals. As an oil-rich country, Azerbaijan has recognized the need to develop its renewable energy sector. It has set ambitious goals for increasing the share of renewables in its energy mix and establishing a green energy zone in the Karabakh region. The purpose of this master's thesis is to assess the potential of wind energy in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region and surrounding areas and identify the best scenario for its development. Four scenarios were evaluated via the PROMETHEE II Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method based on their economic, environmental, technological, and social factors. Interviews with real stakeholders were undertaken to elicit weights for the criteria, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the results. The findings were shared with the stakeholders, and their input was integrated into the final analysis. According to the findings, Scenario 4, which includes more installed capacity and increased investment, is best suited for the growth of wind energy in the Karabakh and surrounding areas from the perspective of developer and governmental body. In contrast, renewable energy expert and the public prefer Scenario 1, with less land use and less capacity. The findings indicate that for the effective development of wind energy in the area, a balanced approach taking into account the opinions of all stakeholders, is essential. This study contributes to Azerbaijan's long-term development by offering valuable insights into the potential of wind energy in the Karabakh region and surrounding areas and supporting informed decision-making for its expansion.