Parviz Shahbazov: Azerbaijan can become source of green energy for Europe

Along with natural gas, Azerbaijan can become a new source of "green" energy for Europe, thereby increasing its contribution to energy diversification, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said during a panel discussion at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), as quoted by Report.

The minister touched upon the issues of energy security, energy transition, the growing role of Azerbaijan as a reliable energy supplier, and partnership with the Gulf countries in "green" energy in terms of the processes taking place in the global energy supply system.

Shahbazov stressed that in the current non-standard situation related to the supply of energy resources, sustainable energy security could be achieved through multifaceted diversification: "It is necessary to ensure not only different sources of energy imports but also a variety of resources for the energy balance. Not only renewable energy sources but also hydrocarbon-based energy supplies are not as sustainable."

The minister said that the approach to developing "green" energy, accelerating the energy transition in the context of diversifying energy sources, is more rational and effective than a policy aimed only at reducing emissions and even eliminating natural gas from the energy balance. It was noted that the smoothness of the energy transition and the path to the goal of achieving "pure zero" is directly related to ensuring energy security.