Azerbaijan-Türkiye green energy corridor transforming regional geopolitics

The planned green energy corridor between Azerbaijan and Türkiye marks a new phase of cooperation between these two brotherly nations. This initiative supports the stability of energy supply in both the region and Europe. Considering the recent geopolitical tensions, we can confidently say that the project is of great importance.

The global crises following the COVID-19 pandemic also affected all global mechanisms. As a result, there was a delay in the implementation of many green energy and climate-related plans.

However, such crises also foster regional cooperation, as seen with the green corridor project between Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

Currently, both countries are working on integrating their energy infrastructures and implementing energy exports, particularly through Nakhchivan. The establishment of a renewable energy production facility in Nakhchivan aims joining the Turkish energy market. The two brotherly Turkic states make important contributions to the energy security of Europe and the region.

Projects like Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC), Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum, and Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), implemented by Azerbaijan, already contribute significantly to regional supply security.

Additionally, Baku plans to export over 70% of its green energy potential by 2030. Efforts to create green energy corridors such as Caspian-Black Sea-Europe, Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe, and Central Asia-Azerbaijan-Europe are progressing rapidly.

The foundation of Azerbaijan’s green energy policies is the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Green Energy Advisory Council held on March 4, 2024.

During this meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with WindEurope, a key representative of the European wind energy sector, elevating the process to a new level. Azerbaijan's ties with EU countries based on energy diplomacy make these relations permanent and concrete.

Azerbaijan’s energy reserves

In addition to its rich oil and gas fields, Azerbaijan boasts significant renewable energy resources and fertile soil thanks to its geographical location. Azerbaijan’s solar energy potential is substantial.

According to the country’s Energy Ministry, the technical solar energy potential is around 23,000 MW. The country receives 2,400-3,200 hours of sunlight annually, making it highly efficient by international standards. The intensity of solar radiation is about 1,500-2,000 kW/m², with the most productive areas located in the central river valleys, northern, and northwestern regions.

Azerbaijan, particularly the Caspian Sea coast, is known for its winds. That’s why Baku is nicknamed City of Winds. The technical wind energy potential is estimated at 3,000 MW, with 800 MW considered cost-effective, capable of generating 2.4 TWh of energy per year and reducing CO2 emissions by saving 1 million tons of conventional fuel. The average annual wind speed is 7.9-8.1 meters/second on the Absheron Peninsula, with a national average of around 6 m/s, enhancing its economic and technical viability.

Hydropower is currently the largest renewable energy source in Azerbaijan, though it has not yet reached its full potential. The small hydropower potential is 520 MW, capable of producing 3.2 TWh of energy annually.

The Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency (AREA) under the Ministry of Energy has identified the country’s geothermal energy potential at 800 MW. Azerbaijan’s 11 geothermal areas contain water with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 100°C, suitable for electricity generation or heating. In the Guba district, water temperatures range from 36°C to 85°C, and in the Kura-Aras Lowland, they reach up to 95°C.

Aim and purpose

Azerbaijan has all the necessary resources to create a green energy corridor. By investing in renewable energy projects, Azerbaijan aims to become a supplier of green energy in addition to fossil fuels. This enhances and elevates the international image of official Baku.

For example, projects harnessing wind and solar energy can contribute to Europe’s renewable energy targets, positioning Azerbaijan as a key player in the global energy transition and environmental diplomacy. This active role strengthens its international standing.

Following the Paris Climate Agreement, Azerbaijan committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2050. Developing renewable energy sources is a crucial part of this clean energy strategy.

Azerbaijan collaborates with several countries, including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, Central Asia, and many European nations, on initiatives to combat climate change and transition to clean energy.

Azerbaijan’s cooperation with Türkiye

The mentioned green energy corridor between Azerbaijan and Türkiye is considered a contribution to the energy security of both the region and Europe. This planned corridor will extend from the Caspian Sea to Türkiye.

Successive projects are supporting the creation of this corridor, with Baku focusing on production and export initiatives to ensure regional leadership in green energy supply.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan was represented by Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov at the Wind Energy Conference in Hamburg on September 24. During the session themed “Duration of Energy Transition,” the minister discussed Azerbaijan and Türkiye’s ambitions to establish green energy corridors.

The Caspian Sea - Black Sea - Europe initiative aims to provide Europe with approximately 4 gigawatts of green energy initially. The Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe corridor plans to export 1 gigawatt of renewable energy from the Nakhchivan region, with the potential for greater electricity transmission from the Caspian Sea and Central Asia to Türkiye and Europe.

Minister Shahbazov also highlighted an upcoming intergovernmental agreement on strategic partnership in green energy development and transmission between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, and discussed connecting the Caspian Sea Green Energy Corridor.

Through these efforts, Azerbaijan is poised to strengthen its position in Europe as a producer and exporter of green energy, becoming a key player in this field.