BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. The 13th Caspian Energy Forum was held in Baku, Trend reports.
The forum brought together representatives of business, government, and diplomatic missions to discuss the region's role in the global energy transition.
The focus was on the development of the Green Energy Corridor and strategic cooperation between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the countries of the Black Sea region in the oil and gas sector.
The main objectives of the forum were to ensure the correct and effective presentation of the international energy agenda against the backdrop of COP29 and COP30 events, to present and support key renewable energy and gas projects in the region, exchange views on the creation and strengthening of the “Green Energy Corridor” up to Europe, as well as deepening dialogue between the state, business, and international organizations, attracting investment, and expanding partnerships in the field of sustainable energy.
Speaking at the event, Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev said that the implementation of renewable energy projects in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, as well as the use of the wind potential of the Caspian Sea, are turning Azerbaijan into a regional center for green energy.
He noted that Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the Black Sea countries are already becoming key players in shaping the modern energy map.
"COP29 has once again highlighted the potential of regional and global cooperation. We view the achievements of the conference not only as a diplomatic victory, but also as practical future commitments. The forum showed that the climate and energy agenda is one of the key priorities for Azerbaijan today. We have already focused on implementing specific measures in this direction," Rafiyev said.
Furthermore, Samira Musayeva, Deputy Head of the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, noted that Azerbaijan is implementing its own goals for adapting to global climate change.
She said that irrational use of resources creates risks for food security and sustainable development.
According to Musayeva, Azerbaijan is implementing its own goals for adapting to global climate change by expanding the use of renewable energy sources.
“The development of renewable energy infrastructure and its transportation allows the country to become a transit center for ”green" energy. The transition to a ‘green’ economy means economic modernisation, innovation and the formation of long-term competitiveness. Despite the need for significant investment at the initial stage, this will ensure a favourable business climate for all market participants in the future," she said.
Musayeva also drew attention to the importance of political and public awareness, and the conduct of explanatory campaigns.
“In this regard, the creation of ‘green’ economic zones in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, as well as the formation and launch of ”green" industrial parks, are of key importance. Renewable energy production plays an active role in Azerbaijan, and the state is the main supporter of these initiatives. This is further proof that these issues are a priority for us," she stressed.
Javid Abdullayev, Director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy under the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, in turn, said that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting Azerbaijan in developing a roadmap for hydrogen energy.
According to him, the EBRD is actively cooperating with Azerbaijan in preparing a roadmap for the development of hydrogen energy, which will form the basis for future projects in this area.
He noted that the bank is already providing financial and expert support to the Azerbaijani side, and the process of selecting an international consulting company to prepare a detailed and implementation-oriented document has reached its final stage.
“We already have a shortlist of international consulting companies, and we are seeing a high level of interest in this project. I am confident that the results will be successful,” Abdullayev said.
He recalled that during COP29, Azerbaijan presented its own vision for the development of hydrogen energy and a strategic document that attracted widespread international interest.
According to him, Azerbaijan intends to use all the advantages of its geopolitical position, energy potential, and resource balance to form a sustainable hydrogen energy sector.
During the forum, Elvin Huseynov, head of the YASHAT Foundation, and Telman Aliyev, chairman and chief executive officer of the Caspian Energy Club group, signed a memorandum.
