Kadri Simson: Cooperation with Azerbaijan should not be limited only to gas supplies

The European Union (EU) insists on strengthening energy cooperation with Azerbaijan, EU Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said on February 3 at a briefing on the results of the 9th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting and the 1st Green Energy Advisory Council Ministerial meeting held in Baku.

According to Simson, cooperation should not be limited to gas supplies only because Azerbaijan has the potential of renewable energy sources, and this potential must be used.

A broad discussion was held within the framework of the event on the use of wind and solar energy in Azerbaijan, as well as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.

Noting that this is her third visit to Baku, Simson thanked President Ilham Aliyev and Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov for the warm welcome.

According to her, last year Europe faced an energy crisis and Azerbaijan came to Europe's aid in this difficult situation.

Simson noted that the potential of solar and wind energy in Europe turned out to be low and they had to tell the member countries to reduce the energy consumption.

Azerbaijan came to Europe's aid at this difficult moment and increased gas supplies to Europe by up to 40%, Simson said.

Simson emphasized that the European Union expects Azerbaijan's gas supplies to be doubled in the coming years.

It is not that difficult to do, she said adding that it can be done through expanding the capabilities of the existing pipeline.

She said she believes Azerbaijan will be able to do that too.