Shahbazov: Azerbaijan advancing energy transition through renewables and efficiency

Azerbaijan, traditionally known as a major oil and gas producer and exporter, is now actively advancing its energy transition by developing renewable energy sources (RES) and improving energy efficiency, Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said during the opening of the 10th Annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency in Brussels, according to Report.

“Energy efficiency hasn’t been easy to bring to the forefront of the global agenda. The International Energy Agency has developed a roadmap for Azerbaijan to enhance energy efficiency, and we are working on it,” Shahbazov said, highlighting efforts in buildings, transportation, heating systems, and the entire energy system.

However, he stressed that investment needs to be scaled up, not only in Azerbaijan but globally:

“We need more concrete, feasibility-backed projects with specific figures to convince those responsible for research and implementation. That’s why broader international cooperation is essential.”

He emphasized the importance of European interconnectors, which enable linking generation hubs with consumption centers, enhancing efficiency across borders:

“By balancing energy networks, we can achieve much greater energy efficiency not just nationally, but internationally and globally.”

At the same time, he emphasized that Azerbaijan already has two green energy zones.

"The first was declared by the President of Azerbaijan after the liberation of our territories from Armenian occupation. And now this territory has become a green energy zone and produces more green energy than it consumes, while at the same time supplying energy to other regions. But a green energy zone also means that various green technologies are applied in this area – from solar panels on rooftops to insulation, central heating systems, and so on," he noted.

According to Shahbazov, during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as chair, initiated three global initiatives in the energy sector. "These are interconnectors, green energy zones, and hydrogen. It received broad support from the international community, and we continue to work in this area. I mean that we must work at the national level, but at the same time pay great attention to international practices in order to bring more experience and best practices to different parts of the world," he concluded.