On May 26, 2026, a meeting was held between the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Regional Development Research of Mingachevir State University (MDU) and the Nakhchivan Solar Power Plant (SPP) to discuss university-industry integration and applied research opportunities in the fields of sustainable and green energy.
The meeting focused on expanding scientific research cooperation in sustainable energy, strengthening university-industry partnerships, developing practical skills and competencies in green technologies, and integrating students and young researchers into real industrial environments.
The MDU delegation at the meeting, held at the Nakhchivan SPP, included Ruhiyya Huseynova, Director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and Regional Development Research; Azad Mirzabayov, Head of the Quality Assurance and Sustainable Development Department; Hamida Zeynalzade, Head of the Internal Control Department; and Gurban Gurbanzade, Deputy Head of the Career Development and Alumni Relations Department.
During the discussions, the parties exchanged views on priority areas of cooperation. Particular attention was paid to aligning master’s thesis topics in energy and sustainable development with industry-oriented research, providing young scientists and researchers with access to technical resources and data, and organizing industrial internships and technical excursions for students studying energy-related specialties.
During the meeting, Ruhiyya Huseynova shared information about opportunities for joint initiatives in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility within the framework of sustainable development and green transformation approaches promoted at the university. In this context, the importance of integrating academic knowledge with real industrial practice, strengthening research capacity in green technologies, and developing young people’s practical skills in innovative energy solutions was emphasized.
Farid Safarov, Director of the Nakhchivan SPP, provided detailed information about the plant’s activities, its role in ensuring the region’s energy security, and ongoing efforts in the field of renewable energy. It was noted that the plant plays an important role in implementing green energy policies in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, while also contributing to the wider use of alternative energy sources, enhancement of environmental sustainability, and improvement of energy efficiency.
The participants also discussed the plant’s prospects for involvement in future international energy and green transformation projects, the implementation of innovative energy solutions, and opportunities for expanding research cooperation in this field. In addition, the plant’s potential for organizing industrial internships for students studying energy and engineering, introducing young researchers to real technological processes, and supporting applied scientific research was highly appreciated.
As part of the visit, participants became closely acquainted with the plant’s operations and received information about solar panel management and monitoring systems, energy production processes, and technical safety mechanisms.
The parties noted that the meeting represents an important step toward establishing a cooperation platform aimed at joint research projects, innovative initiatives, and human capital development in the fields of sustainable energy and green technologies.
It should be noted that MDU’s Institute for Sustainable Energy and Regional Development Research carries out activities aimed at strengthening university-industry cooperation in the fields of sustainable energy, green technologies, and applied scientific research. In this regard, the meeting with the Nakhchivan SPP is considered significant in terms of future cooperation prospects.