TRNC minister: Azerbaijan's support important for creating green energy-based island model by 2030

The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) intends to expand energy and economic cooperation with the Turkic world. More efficient use of the island's energy potential, rapid integration into the green energy transition and the implementation of joint projects with Turkic states are among the country's priorities.

Olgun Amcaoglu, the TRNC Minister of Economy and Energy, spoke in an interview with Report about the opportunities for cooperation with Azerbaijan, the island state's green energy goals and planned initiatives within the Turkic world.

- How do you assess the potential for cooperation between the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Azerbaijan in the energy sector? Are there any concrete initiatives, especially in the field of renewable energy and technological knowledge exchange?

- This is one of the main goals of the Turkic Energy Organization. It is very important for us that the Turkic world, where more than 250 million people live, unites around common projects. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as a member and observer country of the Organization of Turkic States, acts together with Türkiye, Azerbaijan and other member states, even under conditions of embargo and isolation.

Our cooperation is not limited to energy alone – it is important for us to create common platforms in the economic, trade, social and cultural spheres, as well as in sports, to bring together businessmen and NGOs.

Northern Cyprus is not just a country close to Europe, but also a Turkic state, located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, on an area of ​​3,355 sq. km, keeping alive the Ottoman heritage. We want to be an integral part of the Turkic world and fulfill our responsibilities together.

In particular, it is a priority for us that Türkiye and Azerbaijan act together in the energy, trade and social spheres, based on the principle of “three states, one nation”.

There is no alternative. In order to exist, we must think, produce and ensure a modern way of life together. As a people who have lived under embargo for many years, we know this well. Therefore, all our steps in the future will be based on cooperation with Turkic states. We attach special importance to the events held within this framework, and our chambers of industry and commerce, businessmen actively participate. We hope that the third edition of the Turkic Trade Fair will be held in Northern Cyprus and will bring together representatives of all member countries, investors and manufacturers on the island. I believe that the Turkic world can make this initiative a reality and we are ready to fulfill our responsibilities.

- In recent years, Azerbaijan has been investing heavily in solar and wind energy, placing special emphasis on energy transition. How can Northern Cyprus benefit from this experience?

- There is already an exchange of knowledge and experience with Azerbaijan in this area. Azerbaijan's technological and infrastructure capabilities are much larger than ours. Nevertheless, we are also taking steps within our internal resources. Currently, we have an energy base of 594 megawatts, of which 120 megawatts are provided by solar energy. The geographical location of the island - 333 sunny days per year and 2,400 hours of solar potential - gives us a great advantage.

The green energy transition is our top priority. Türkiye already generates more than 55% of its total energy production from renewable energy, and we are closely following Azerbaijan's successes in this area. Our goal is to create a completely green energy-based island model by 2030. The experience and support of Türkiye and Azerbaijan are important to us, and we believe that we will succeed by following their path.

- Which areas are more promising for Azerbaijani companies to invest in Northern Cyprus?

- We have taken the first steps in this area together with Türkiye and continue to do so. The Turkic States Organization is still a new but very important platform, and strengthening cooperation in the energy sector is of strategic importance.

Azerbaijan has a rich experience and information base in green energy, and we are closely following this experience. In the future, we will bring this topic to the forefront at organizational meetings, especially at ministerial meetings within the framework of the Turkic Energy Organization. At the same time, we are ready to take concrete steps to further strengthen our country's position in this structure.