Results from a new research have found promising conditions for the potential of generating bioenergy from hazelnut residues in Azerbaijan.
Preliminary results for a project entitled “Catalysing the Efficiency and Sustainability of Azerbaijan’s Hazelnut Sector” have been released.
Due to its favourable climate conditions suitable for hazelnut growing, Azerbaijan is one of the largest hazelnut producing countries in the world. According to the report’s findings, a vast amount of the hazelnut shells and pruning residues could be utilised for bioenergy production. Currently this process is not productively operational, but there are fertile conditions for the development of this process.
The report also predicted an increase over the next five years in the number of residues of hazelnut products planted in several regions of the country (Zagatala, Shaki, Khachmaz, Balakan, Gabala, Gakh, Ismayilli).
Additionally, the study suggested that by the year 2026, residues from hazelnut pruning will increase from 35,784 tons to 45,866 tons per year, along with 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.
