Azerbaijan, China forge stronger energy ties at Belt and Road Conference

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, has met with representatives from several local companies during his visit to China.

As reported by the Ministry of Energy, Shahbazov is attending the 3rd Belt and Road Energy Ministers Conference, Caliber.Az quotes Parviz Shahbazov as saying on his X page.

We had a fruitful meeting in Beijing with Lin Xiadon, Vice President of China Energy International Group Co., Ltd. During the meeting, we discussed accelerating the implementation of 160 MW power plants, the company's involvement in offshore #WindEnergy projects and green energy… pic.twitter.com/grql0SQeDT

— Parviz Shahbazov (@ParvizShahbazov) October 22, 2024

Key topics of discussion included the adoption of a declaration on strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China and the development of cooperation in the field of green energy. 

During a meeting with Lin Xiaoduan, Vice President of China Energy International Group, they discussed the integration of additional renewable energy capacities into Azerbaijan’s energy system, the implementation of offshore wind projects in the Caspian Sea, local production of renewable energy equipment, collaboration in "green energy corridors," and the establishment of solar power stations in Fuzuli with a total capacity of 160 MW.

A decision was made to create a Working Group to enhance cooperation. Additionally, both sides explored the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding regarding priority areas of collaboration. The Vice President of China Energy expressed the company’s intention to increase investments in energy projects within Azerbaijan.

We were introduced with the experience and international activities of China Datang Corporation Limited with wide opportunities in the planning, design, construction, operation and financing of #RenewableEnergy projects in Beijing. Zou Lei, Chairman of the Board of Directors of… pic.twitter.com/qxVpvKu0oh

— Parviz Shahbazov (@ParvizShahbazov) October 22, 2024

In discussions with Zoi Lei, Chairman of the Board of China Datang Corporation Limited, Shahbazov highlighted Azerbaijan’s active participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, projects within the energy and transport sectors, and the vital role of energy cooperation in fostering bilateral relations. The significance of partnerships with Chinese companies in advancing green energy in Azerbaijan was also emphasised. 

Azerbaijan is promoting the initiative of green energy corridors through the Caspian Sea to export green energy to Europe, with China positioned to play a pivotal role in these projects as an investor and technology supplier.

Additionally, potential investment collaboration with China Datang in solar and wind energy projects, energy storage, and green hydrogen was discussed. Shahbazov also met with Song Kai, President of Public Relations at Huawei, to discuss prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and Huawei in the energy sector.

At the meeting with Kai Song, President of Public Relations of Huawei in China, we reviewed the prospects for cooperation in the field of #GreenEnergy with the company, which presents progressive technological solutions. In the context of Azerbaijan's implementation of green… pic.twitter.com/WfeU5fBn1x

— Parviz Shahbazov (@ParvizShahbazov) October 22, 2024

Notably, China Energy Engineering Group is a construction and engineering firm that focuses heavily on power and infrastructure. Established in 2011, the company’s construction projects encompass renewable energy, municipal engineering, as well as railways and highways.

Its principal subsidiaries include the China Gezhouba Group Corporation, China Power Engineering Consulting Group Corporation, Electric Power Planning and Engineering Institute, and China Energy Equipment.

By Aghakazim Guliyev