Azerbaijani minister joins forces with global leaders in Italy to propel fusion energy development

Energy Minister Perviz Shahbazov has embarked on a trip to Italy to participate in the inaugural ministerial meeting of the World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG), organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The meeting is set to take place on November 6 in Rome, Caliber.Az reports citing the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry.

Co-chaired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, the event will focus on adopting an inclusive and global approach to the development of fusion energy, as well as advancing international efforts within the WFEG framework.

During the meeting, Shahbazov is scheduled to deliver a speech and engage in several bilateral discussions. The IAEA will also unveil two significant publications: Fusion Key Elements and the World Fusion Outlook 2024.

The WFEG aims to catalyze unified efforts to accelerate fusion energy development through several key initiatives:

• Enhancing global cooperation: Creating opportunities for interactive dialogue and partnerships among stakeholders from industry, government, academia, and the public.
• Optimizing fusion energy R&D: Ensuring the effectiveness of research and development programs by leveraging existing facilities and planning for new ones.
• Identifying technology gaps: Collaboratively pinpointing engineering challenges and developing international strategies to address them.
• Establishing effective regulations: Fostering discussions on creating robust regulatory frameworks for fusion energy.
• Encouraging public engagement: Increasing youth involvement and promoting gender equality in the fusion energy sector.
• Integrating fusion into energy markets: Supporting the incorporation of fusion technologies into existing energy systems and infrastructure.

The meeting in Rome will serve as a platform to solidify global commitments under the WFEG framework. The IAEA, in collaboration with its Member States and other partners, will organize periodic WFEG gatherings to monitor progress, ensure high-level political engagement, and promote collaborative actions in the realm of fusion energy.

By Tamilla Hasanova