Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner reinforces its image as energy supplier for both neighbouring and European countries, says Turkish expert – INTERVIEW

In an exclusive interview with the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC), Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu, Turkish expert, Assistant Professor at Joongbu University and Senior Researcher at the Institute of EU Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, commended Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner in regional and global energy projects, particularly through its established oil and gas ventures like the Southern Gas Corridor, that further enhances its credibility in spearheading renewable energy initiatives. The expert mentioned that Azerbaijan aims to highlight its green energy transition and position itself as a regional leader in renewable energy, adding that COP29 offers the country the chance to bolster its international standing as a climate-conscious nation and an energy hub.

AZERTAC presents the interview:

- In your opinion, what are the main goals of the COP29 conference to be held in Azerbaijan and what priorities will be identified to achieve these goals? What are your expectations from this conference?

- The COP29 conference seeks to tackle critical global climate challenges. Its key objectives include setting a new global climate finance target, advancing ambitious national climate plans, and promoting stronger international cooperation. Azerbaijan aims to highlight its green energy transition and position itself as a regional leader in renewable energy, targeting a 30% share of renewables in its energy mix by 2030 through the development of solar, wind and hydropower.

COP29 offers Azerbaijan the chance to bolster its international standing as a climate-conscious nation and an energy hub, reinforcing its relationships with key players like the US and the EU. However, challenges remain, including navigating regional geopolitics, balancing the energy transition with its role as a major oil and gas exporter and ensuring equitable participation from both developed and developing countries. Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable partner in regional and global energy projects, particularly through its established oil and gas ventures like the Southern Gas Corridor, further enhances its credibility in spearheading renewable energy initiatives. This track record reinforces its image as a energy supplier and partner for both neighboring countries and global powers.

- Is a green transition possible worldwide? What are the prospects for this transition and what challenges will countries face?

- A global green transition is within reach, yet several challenges need to be addressed. Progress looks promising due to rapid advancements in renewable technologies—such as solar, wind, and hydrogen—combined with growing political will and financial investment. Countries like Azerbaijan are demonstrating commitment by developing renewable infrastructure and collaborating with international partners but it is up to their capacities.

Naturally, challenges persist. High upfront costs, the demand for continuous technological innovation, lack of proper policy and the disparity between nations’ abilities to transition from fossil fuels complicate the process. Developing countries will require significant financial and technological support from other nations or organizations. Additionally, entrenched interests in fossil fuel industries and political conflicts pose substantial barriers to a global green shift.

- What innovative technologies and initiatives to combat climate change are being implemented today?

- Innovative technologies are being deployed worldwide to combat climate change. Azerbaijan is advancing solar and wind power initiatives, including the 230 MW Garadagh Solar PV Plant and several offshore wind projects. Globally, emerging technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS), energy storage systems and hydrogen fuel cells are designed to reduce carbon emissions and stabilize renewable energy supply.

Digital innovations such as smart grids and AI-based energy management systems are also improving energy efficiency. Azerbaijan’s efforts to transform liberated territories into green energy zones highlight its forward-thinking approach, integrating renewable energy development with sustainable land use.

There are some specific examples to check. For example, Norway is a well-known actor in CCS with its Northern Lights project. The project involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial sites and transporting it to be stored under the North Sea. Germany is another example for energy transition under its “Energiewende” policy. Not limited to the Western experiences but we can show crucial examples in the east. China is the world’s largest solar power producer and is investing heavily in energy storage solutions, particularly for its solar farms in regions like Qinghai. Lastly, South Korea’s K-Grid initiative leverages AI for managing energy distribution networks, optimizing electricity supply based on demand and improving energy efficiency across urban areas.

- Do you consider Azerbaijan a promising market for investment in the field of renewable energy?

- Azerbaijan presents a promising market for renewable energy investments. Its abundant solar, wind, and hydropower resources, coupled with supportive government policies and incentives for foreign investors, make the country attractive for renewable energy projects. The involvement of international firms such as BP, Masdar, and ACWA Power in Azerbaijan’s energy infrastructure adds to its investment appeal. Azerbaijan is also focusing on finding new partners all around the world. Azerbaijan currently enjoys strong relationships with the EU and the US, both of which are eager to support its energy transition. But diversification of partnership is also important. New countries, new partners will contribute to the renewable energy capacity of Azerbaijan.

- Along with the export of oil and natural gas, Azerbaijan also plans to become a country exporting electricity generated from renewable energy sources. How do you assess the capabilities of our country in this direction?

- Azerbaijan’s ambition to export renewable energy, particularly electricity generated from solar and wind, is achievable given its substantial potential. With ongoing development of major renewable projects, the country is well-positioned to export energy to regional partners like Turkey and Europe.

However, this ambition requires further investment in energy transmission infrastructure, possibly in collaboration with neighboring nations. The “green energy corridor” linking Azerbaijan and Turkey could play a crucial role, though geopolitical tensions and the need for significant grid investment remain challenges.

- What is the potential in your opinion for turning the liberated territories of Azerbaijan into a “green” energy zone?

- The liberated territories of Azerbaijan have significant potential to become a green energy hub. Actually, these territories provide a great opportunity to fulfill this policy. These areas possess strong hydropower and solar energy prospects, and Azerbaijan has already initiated renewable projects there. In my opinion, in the near future, these regions may be called by international organizations as a model of a green energy zone.

Geographical advantages are providing opportunities. The mountainous terrain of the region offers excellent conditions for wind energy. Higher altitudes generally experience stronger and more consistent winds, making the region ideal for installing wind turbines. Areas with southern exposure, such as valleys and plateaus in the region, are especially suited for solar farms. The southern-facing slopes receive more consistent sunlight throughout the year, optimizing energy generation. Eastern areas like Kalbajar and Lachin also show great potential for wind farm development.

The region is traversed by several rivers, including the Tartar and Hakari rivers, which originate in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. These rivers offer significant hydropower potential due to their steep gradients and year-round water flow from snowmelt and rainfall.

Developing these regions into a green energy hub offers both economic and political advantages, stimulating local economies, creating jobs and cutting carbon emissions. Therefore, regional connectivity is also needed. For realizing this, Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the neighbor countries will be another requirement in the future. At the end, we might be able to see this region as a green energy and peace zone.