Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan agree to cooperate in green energy export

A joint communiqué has been adopted following a trilateral meeting held in Baku and dedicated to the prospects for the export of electricity from Central Asian countries to Europe through Azerbaijan.

The document was signed by Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov and Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov and Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov and Kazakh Minister of Energy Almassadam Satkaliyev, Caliber.Az reports citing the Azerbaijani Economy Ministry.

The joint communiqué outlines the issues related to energy exchange, mainly renewable sources, the development and export of green hydrogen and ammonia, cooperation on the creation of relevant infrastructure and other issues. According to the document, the sides reached an agreement to create a joint venture to export electricity and prepare an economic feasibility study for the project. Third countries in the region can take part in the project in accordance with the joint communiqué.

The ministers noted the countries' potential in renewable energy and their readiness to join the project of exporting electricity obtained from alternative sources to Europe. In this context, interest has been expressed in exploring the possibilities of laying high-voltage lines along the bottom of the Black Sea after integration with the Azerbaijani energy system.

Moreover, the ministers confirmed that the development of the green energy transfer project will further strengthen the ties among the economies and energy systems of the participating countries, and will also give new impetus to national energy industries.

The meeting participants agreed to create a joint working group to develop technical specifications in the following spheres:

- cooperation in energy exchange, mainly, renewable energy sources;

- cooperation in the development and export of green hydrogen and green ammonia;

- cooperation in creation of related infrastructure.

A tender for the preparation of a preliminary feasibility study will be announced proceeding from the developed technical specifications, approved by the sides.

The sides will promptly consider the prospect of creating a joint venture to implement the project and confirm their intention to apply project design facilitating the participation of third regional countries.

Moreover, the sides agreed to hold the next meeting at the level of ministers in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.