Strategic Partnership: European Union, Azerbaijan energy cooperation
Article by Modern Diplomacy
ECONOMICS 27 June 2024 - 13:35
EU-based Modern Diplomacy has published an article highlighting energy cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan. Caliber.Az reprints the article.
Energy is one of the main sectors for the European Union. Since 1951, European integration in the energy sector has been ongoing, marked by the establishment of the European Coal and Steel Community. To meet its energy needs, the EU collaborates with Russia. The EU is Russia’s largest trading partner, accounting for 48 per cent of Russia’s total foreign trade, and 75 per cent of Russia’s foreign investments go to the EU. Russia is one of the main energy producers for EU countries, particularly in natural gas and oil. The low energy prices from Russia have led to the EU’s dependence on Russian energy supplies.
However, with the high demand for energy following the COVID-19 pandemic, energy prices in Europe have increased. As a result, Europe’s natural gas reserves have diminished, a situation further exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Following the invasion, Western countries imposed sanctions on Russia. In response, Russia cut off its natural gas supply to the European Union. This rise in energy prices will have a negative impact on the EU. Since natural gas is the most commonly used energy source by consumers for household needs such as heating, cooking, and cooling, and because it is one of the cleanest-burning fuels, the shortage of natural gas disrupts the EU’s electricity market. Household use accounts for about 22% of total consumption.
The instability in the relationship between the European Union and Russia, coupled with dwindling natural gas reserves, has compelled European leaders to seek alternative energy sources. In facing this new reality, increasing attention is being directed towards reliable and ambitious energy sector countries, such as Azerbaijan. This country not only has abundant energy reserves but has also demonstrated a commitment to becoming a stable energy partner for Europe. Through infrastructure investments and bilateral agreements, Azerbaijan is working to increase its production capacity and export natural gas to the European market, helping to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russia and ensure the sustainability of energy supplies in the future.
On 18 July 2022, the European Union and Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership in the field of energy. This significant agreement includes a commitment to double the capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor pipeline to over 20 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year by 2027, strengthening energy security and diversifying supply sources for the EU. The expanded pipeline capacity will enable the transportation of a larger volume of natural gas from Azerbaijan to various European countries, reducing the continent’s dependence on Russian energy and enhancing its resilience against supply disruptions. This partnership also reflects the EU’s broader strategy to transition towards a more secure and sustainable energy future, integrating renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency across member states. The MoU encompasses not only infrastructure development but also cooperation in areas such as technology transfer, regulatory alignment, and capacity building, further solidifying the long-term collaboration between the EU and Azerbaijan in the energy sector.
In the shorter term, Azerbaijan is already ramping up its natural gas deliveries to the EU, with expectations to supply 12 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2022, a significant increase from the
8.1 bcm delivered in 2021. This immediate boost in supply highlights Azerbaijan’s proactive role in addressing Europe’s urgent energy needs amidst a volatile geopolitical landscape.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) also includes crucial support from the EU to help Azerbaijan reduce methane flaring and venting in its gas production processes. This initiative aligns with global environmental standards and is part of the broader aim to support Azerbaijan’s accession to the Global Methane Pledge. By adopting best practices and advanced technologies to minimize methane emissions, Azerbaijan can enhance its environmental stewardship and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. The EU’s support in this area underscores the commitment to not only secure energy supply but also ensure it is produced in an environmentally responsible manner, thereby reinforcing the sustainable development goals shared by both parties.
Through significant infrastructure investments and strategic bilateral agreements, Azerbaijan is striving to increase its production capacity and export natural gas to the European market. Major projects like the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) form the backbone of these efforts, enabling the flow of gas from Azerbaijan to Europe more efficiently and reliably. These pipeline routes are designed to reduce logistical barriers and minimize supply disruption risks, thereby ensuring energy distribution stability.
The fifth meeting of the EU-Azerbaijan Security Dialogue took place on 13 June 2024 in Brussels. During the meeting, delegates engaged in candid discussions regarding the current status of bilateral relations between the EU and Azerbaijan, as well as mutual foreign and security policy matters. The delegates also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a dependable energy partner, emphasizing its significance in ensuring energy security and stability for the region.
Furthermore, the meeting agenda also includes an evaluation of the progress of previously agreed projects, such as expanding the capacity of the Southern Gas Corridor pipeline and implementing environmentally friendly technologies in the energy production process. This dialogue reflects the commitment of both parties to continue collaborating towards common goals, namely energy security, sustainability, and carbon emission reduction.
With a strong commitment to energy diversification and sustainable investment, Azerbaijan has successfully established itself as a crucial strategic partner for the European Union. The progressive steps taken by Azerbaijan to expand and ensure a stable and sustainable energy supply will not only strengthen Europe’s energy stability and security but also serve as a key pillar in supporting economic growth in the region. This achievement reflects Azerbaijan’s long-term vision of building a resilient and environmentally friendly energy infrastructure, aligning with the EU’s goals of reducing reliance on conventional energy sources and increasing the use of renewable energy.
Through this close collaboration, both parties will experience significant economic and geopolitical benefits. Azerbaijan, with its abundant energy resources, can meet Europe’s energy needs, while the European Union can provide technological and financial support to further develop Azerbaijan’s energy sector. This synergy will create a mutually beneficial relationship, enhancing regional stability and ensuring a sustainable energy supply for Europe.
This cooperation also opens up opportunities for the development of innovative and green energy projects, which will not only provide economic benefits but also help reduce the global environmental impact. Consequently, a safer, more stable, and prosperous future can be realized, offering widespread positive impacts for the people in both regions and strengthening their geopolitical positions on the international stage.
Caliber.Az
1
|
Is the US ready to cut through the Zangezur corridor? Experts weigh in on O'Brien's visit
28 June 2024 - 14:30
|
2
|
Will Israel go for a full-scale war in Lebanon? Destroying red lines
27 June 2024 - 14:25
|
3
|
Yerevan's scandalous statements undermine peace process Unreliability as a brand of Yerevan
29 June 2024 - 12:20
|
4
|
Armenian security supremo points fingers at Russia as French arms deal stirs controversy Blame & betrayal
28 June 2024 - 09:22
|
5
|
Fallout of France's misguided policies in Azerbaijan Miscalculations and backlashes
27 June 2024 - 12:44
|
Paris 2024 aims for "greenest" Olympics amid challenges
30 June 2024 - 04:11
Philippines tests US alliance amid South China Sea tensions
30 June 2024 - 02:07
Biden's debate debacle casts shadow on democratic hopes for 2024 election
30 June 2024 - 00:10
France's early parliamentary elections
Macron's gambit risks far-right surge29 June 2024 - 22:06
What to define the agenda at the upcoming NATO summit?
29 June 2024 - 20:03
Israeli Army advances in Shuja'iya
Destroy militants, weapons cache29 June 2024 - 18:44
EU pledges Egypt 1 billion euros in financial aid
29 June 2024 - 18:36
Armenian, Ukrainian FMs mull South Caucasus security, EU cooperation
29 June 2024 - 18:24
Poland extends US, UK, Canadian military deployment
Until December 202429 June 2024 - 18:12
Tensions escalate at Belarus-Ukraine border
Amid military buildup29 June 2024 - 18:00
UN resumes aid distribution in Gaza, suspended over looting
29 June 2024 - 17:48
Ukrainian forces advance in Kharkiv
Stabilize front lines amid Russian setbacks29 June 2024 - 17:36
Georgian PM urges US, EU to pursue de-oligarchisation amidst accession talks
29 June 2024 - 17:24
Fatal bus crash near Türkiye's Akkuyu NPP leaves 2 dead, dozens injured
29 June 2024 - 17:12
SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Southern California
29 June 2024 - 17:00
Majority of Israelis call for Netanyahu to exit politics
29 June 2024 - 16:47
Ukraine's war damage: Will Russia pay the price?
Caliber.Az on YouTube29 June 2024 - 16:31
Hungary's Orban lambasts Brussels for aggressive stance on Ukraine conflict
29 June 2024 - 16:23
US temporarily removes Gaza aid pier due to weather
29 June 2024 - 16:10
EU extends economic sanctions to Belarus
Restrictive measures target trade, services, transport29 June 2024 - 15:58
Azerbaijan emphasizes clean energy transition
Ahead of COP2929 June 2024 - 15:46
US destroys 7 Houthi drones, ground control station
29 June 2024 - 15:31
Russia slams French colonial policy for racial, cultural superiority
29 June 2024 - 15:16
Pro-Armenian Senator did not disclose riches he calls gifts
Senate ethics counsel testifies29 June 2024 - 15:02
Iran presidential election heads to second round
Pezeshkian and Jalili advance to July 5 runoff29 June 2024 - 14:50
Georgia-Azerbaijan border highway to boost trade, safety, tourism
29 June 2024 - 14:36
Major crackdown on cyber fraudsters in Türkiye
Operation Sibergöz-4729 June 2024 - 14:23
Azerbaijan, Hungary explore bilateral cooperation
PHOTO29 June 2024 - 14:10
US to send Ukraine air defence missiles in next aid package
29 June 2024 - 13:50
Majority of voters favor replacing Biden as Democratic candidate
Morning Consult poll shows29 June 2024 - 13:44
FM Lavrov states Russia open to dialogue with West
Calls for end to threats29 June 2024 - 13:29
Over 30 killed in Kenyan anti-government protests
Report by Human Rights Watch29 June 2024 - 13:16
Armenian FM stresses importance of peace treaty with Azerbaijan
29 June 2024 - 13:01
Future of business in Karabakh
Focus on agriculture and industry29 June 2024 - 12:46
Iran warns of “war of annihilation” if Israel attacks Lebanon
29 June 2024 - 12:32
Yerevan's scandalous statements undermine peace process
Unreliability as a brand of Yerevan29 June 2024 - 12:20
Russia shoots down six Ukrainian drones over four regions
29 June 2024 - 12:03
A lesson for Armenian diplomacy
Naivety or political posturing?29 June 2024 - 11:48
US efforts to mediate between Israel, Hezbollah face challenges
Amid Gaza conflict29 June 2024 - 11:34
Azerbaijan reports significant weapons seizure in Khankandi
29 June 2024 - 11:19