Central Asia and Azerbaijan Agree to Bring Light to Europe
Author: Leila Tariverdieva
The energy landscape of trans-Caspian interaction is undergoing significant transformation, with a focus extending beyond traditional hydrocarbons to embrace green energy. This transformation was highlighted during the Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, held in Astana on August 9th.
During the meeting, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev expressed Azerbaijan’s keen interest in collaborating with Central Asian countries in the field of renewable energy. This sentiment was echoed in a protocol signed by energy ministers of the three nations following a trilateral meeting on the project to connect their energy systems.
Connecting energy systems and exporting green energy
The proposed project involves laying a high-voltage cable along the bottom of the Caspian Sea and terrestrial territories, enabling the export of green energy produced in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to Europe. This ambitious plan aligns with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation to unify the energy systems of the three countries.
Potential to power Europe with green energy
The combined potential of the three countries in renewable energy is estimated to be substantial. Azerbaijan alone possesses a confirmed potential of 157 GW in the Caspian Sea region. With ongoing investments in renewable energy sources, Azerbaijan’s capacity is expected to significantly increase in the coming years.
Challenges and opportunities
While the potential for green energy in the region is promising, challenges exist. Upgrading existing electricity infrastructure in Central Asia is expensive, leading to limited financing from international institutions. However, the unification of energy systems could potentially address this issue.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries presents a unique opportunity to address Europe’s energy needs while promoting sustainable development in the region. With abundant renewable energy resources, rich in critical raw materials, and a vast territory, the potential for green energy production in the region is undeniable.