New research has found fertile conditions for the potential of producing bioenergy from hazelnut residues in Azerbaijan.
Preliminary results for a project entitled “Catalysing the Efficeiency and Sustainability of Azerbaijan’s Hazelnut Sector” have been released.
The report found that a large part of hazelnut shells and pruning residues could be mobilised for bioenergy production. Although this process is currently not productively operational, there are fertile conditions for the development of this process.
It predicted an increase over the next five years of the number of residues of hazelnut products planted in several regions of the country (Zagatala, Shaki, Khachmaz, Balakan, Gabala, Gakh, Ismayilli).
By 2026, the study suggested residues from hazelnut pruning will increase from 35,784 tons to 45,866 tons per year, the resulting hazelnut pulp from 41,875 tons to 70,704 tons and the hazelnut shell from 7,466 tons to 13,132 tons.
The study was carried out with the project's international experts, Ana Kojakovic (Energy and Natural Resources expert) and Manas Puri (Sustainable Energy expert). It was financed by the government of Azerbaijan, and implemented within the framework of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)-Azerbaijan Partnership Programme.
Azerbaijan has “fertile conditions” for hazelnut-producing bionergy
