Organized by China’s National Energy Administration under the theme "Together for an Innovative and Win-win future, “the Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference" kicked off Wednesday in Qingdao, East China's Shandong Province.
The conference, attended by Azerbaijan's Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov, brings together leaders from public institutions and representatives from energy companies across approximately 30 countries.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Zhang Jianhua, Head of the National Energy Administration of China, Zhou Naixiang, Governor of Shandong Province and others highlighted the significance of cooperation in energy security, energy market development, and technological innovations in green energy.
Speaking at the conference, Azerbaijani Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov mentioned that the "Belt and Road Initiative", one of the most ambitious global projects in history, shapes the modern geo-economic landscape of Eurasia.
“With its strategic location as a key transit hub between Europe and Asia, and its vital transportation and energy corridors, Azerbaijan holds a pivotal position in the BRI. As an early supporter of this initiative to revive the ancient Silk Road, Azerbaijan is now pursuing a strategic course to enhance the Middle Corridor - the shortest route connecting China to Europe - and to contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative through the integration of green energy solutions.
The recent adoption of the Joint Declaration on establishing a strategic partnership by the leaders of Azerbaijan and China has elevated this relationship to a completely new level. This historic step paves the way for significant opportunities to advance energy cooperation along the modern Silk Road. The Declaration, representing the peak of Azerbaijan-China relations, outlines a roadmap for deepening cooperation in the areas of oil and gas production, refining, and "green energy" and both countries consider each other as priority, reliable, and strategic partners.
The Azerbaijan-China partnership, brings together substantial opportunities and expertise in green energy, and holds a crucial role within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, while also contributing to efforts in sustainable development, global climate action and energy challenges. Therefore, Azerbaijan places special importance on strengthening green energy ties with China, which is its primary import source and one of its top five trade partners,” the minister emphasized.
“Chinese companies are participating in initial phase of Azerbaijan's green energy development by 2027, via supplying advanced green technologies for power stations and developing solar energy capacities. As part of a Memorandum of Understanding with Energy China to implement 2 GW of renewable energy projects, work is currently underway on the construction of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 160 MW. Several companies from China are participating in the auction for the 100 MW Gobustan Solar Power Plant project. Furthermore, plans are underway to develop cooperation with companies like “China Datang," "TBEA" and "PowerChina" to advance large-scale renewable energy initiatives, including regional green interconnectors and "green energy zones".
This collaboration is especially important within the framework of green energy corridors projects, initiated by Azerbaijan, as part of the next phase of renewable energy development by 2030,” Shahbazov noted.
“The "Caspian-Black Sea-Europe", "Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe" and "Central Asia-Azerbaijan-Europe" green energy corridors, which integrate the energy networks of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan while connecting to the Europe-Caspian energy corridor, have the potential for transmission of approximately 10 GW of energy between Asia and Europe.
These corridors facilitate the creation of more integrated regional electricity markets, as well as advance the development of green energy infrastructure within the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthen collaboration with China.
This collaboration can contribute China's goal of achieving "carbon neutrality" by diversifying its energy supply through the import of green energy from Central Asia and Azerbaijan,” the minister noted.
“Additionally, there are ample opportunities for China to engage extensively in these corridors through investment and development-focused cooperation in green energy production, the expansion of electricity grids, the construction of power transmission lines, energy storage systems, and renewable energy technologies. In other words, China's strengths in renewable energy technologies, when combined with Azerbaijan's abundant energy resources and strategic location, create a unique synergy that has the potential to drive significant advancements in energy interconnections. We believe this aligns well with the goals of the "Belt and Road Green Energy Cooperation Action Plan," he said.
“COP29 to be hosted by Azerbaijan next month will offer valuable opportunities to consolidate our efforts toward a green energy transition. Alongside a substantial increase in funding flows, the COP29 Presidency will advocate for initiatives such as the "Green Energy Zones and Corridors Pledge", "Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge" and the "Hydrogen Declaration" all designed to accelerate the energy transition.
We invite China and the Belt and Road countries to actively participate in the Global Climate Summit and join Azerbaijan's initiatives,” Parviz Shahbazov added.
The conference also featured the adoption of the "Belt and Road Green Energy Cooperation Action Plan," the establishment of a secretariat office for the energy platform, and the welcoming of new countries into the initiative. The conference will continue with different sessions focusing on energy collaborations.
