Azerbaijan to unveil new renewable energy strategy at COP29

The Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency is set to present a new development strategy during the COP29 conference said Rana Humbatova, Head of Hydrogen and Green Technology Department at the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency.

According to Humbatova, training specialists in hydrogen energy will be a key element of the new development strategy that the Agency will present at COP29, Caliber.Az reports.

“The main focus of this strategy will be on education and personnel training, which will enable Azerbaijan not only to implement advanced technologies but also to take a leading position in the region on the path to sustainable development," Humbatova stated on October 2 during panel discussions on the third day of the Baku Climate Action Week.

According to Humbatova, Azerbaijan's primary task today is to expand its product range through "green" technologies and attract new investments for developing sectors such as green ammonia and urea production.

"In Azerbaijan, where the oil and gas industry traditionally holds a significant place, such a transition is of particular importance and requires a thoughtful approach. On one hand, it is necessary to continue developing the oil and gas sector, and on the other hand, to reduce carbon impacts,” she noted.

Furthermore, Humbatova added that, in this context, one of the main directions for modernising the industry is to reduce carbon emissions during oil and gas extraction and processing: “To achieve these objectives, strategic agreements and investment contracts have been concluded with key players in the oil and gas market.”

Humbatova highlighted a joint project with BP for the construction of a 240 MW solar power plant in the Jabrayil region.

"This project will help offset carbon emissions from the Sangachal terminal and will be an important step towards decarbonisation. However, solving environmental issues requires not only technological changes but also training highly qualified personnel with expert knowledge in greenhouse gas emissions management and energy efficiency. In this regard, it is crucial to attract specialists with international certification, as well as experts in biofuels and hydrogen energy," she added.

Humbatova also pointed out that another important direction is the diversification of oil and gas companies and their transition into multi-energy corporations that engage not only in traditional energy types but also in the production of biofuels, hydrogen, and clean electricity.

"Azerbaijan already has ethanol and urea plants, as well as enterprises producing polyethylene and ethylene. Today's task is to expand the product range through 'green' technologies and attract new investments for developing sectors such as green ammonia and urea production," Humbatova concluded.

By Aghakazim Guliyev