BAKU – Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said his country and the UAE have deep-rooted ties, especially in the energy sector.
The UAE has also contributed to green energy projects in Azerbaijan, he added.
In an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Shahbazov noted that the Janub Thermal Power Plant, co-financed by the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, is one of his country’s key infrastructure projects in the energy sector, noting that it has a production capacity of 780 megawatts (MW) .
He further added that Azerbaijan has signed several power investment, purchase and transfer agreements with Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company Masdar for the Garadagh solar power plant 60-70 km from the capital Baku.
Shahbazov then highlighted his country’s desire to strengthen cooperation with the UAE through Masdar, noting that the two parties have signed an agreement to launch a major project to generate 4,000 megawatts of electricity, the first phase of which will include an onshore solar power plant and a A wind power plant with a production capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW), and an offshore wind power plant with a capacity of 2,000 MW.
He added that the project is being implemented as part of Azerbaijan’s plan to increase its existing capacity by 6 GW, noting that Azerbaijan aims to export green energy to neighboring countries and will cooperate with Masdar to produce more energy, including green hydrogen energy.
Commenting on the importance of COP28 and its role in promoting the energy transition, he said that the event will help advance the international community’s efforts to achieve a global energy transition, and that cooperation between the UAE and Azerbaijan is contributing to this process make a significant contribution.
Regarding Azerbaijan’s plans to develop the renewable energy sector, Shahbazov confirmed that Azerbaijan has more than 200 years of experience in oil extraction, has started producing and exporting natural gas, and plans to engage in green energy projects.
He explained that Azerbaijan is committed to reducing its carbon emissions to 40% by 2044, and with the support of related cooperation with the UAE, is establishing a specialized zone for the production of green energy to become carbon neutral by 2050.
It also plans to double gas exports in the coming years and boost its international standing as a green energy provider, he added.
Regarding future cooperation with the UAE in sustainable development, Shahbazov said that Masdar is an important partner of Azerbaijan in the field of energy, especially renewable energy.