Azerbaijani municipalities join EU climate and energy pact

Ten municipalities in Azerbaijan have joined the European Union’s Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy initiative, the country’s Ministry of Energy has said.

Jahid Mikayilov, head of the ministry’s Energy Efficiency Department, announced the development at an event jointly organised by the Ministry of Energy and the European Union on February 10, Caliber.Az reports.

He stressed the importance of local authorities in addressing climate and energy challenges, describing the Covenant of Mayors as a key platform for municipalities.

According to Mikayilov, the initiative offers practical mechanisms for systematic planning of energy efficiency measures at the local level, expanding the use of renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving climate resilience.

Mikayilov noted that several of the participating municipalities have already developed action plans, many of which are currently being implemented.

He also highlighted growing interest in the profession of energy auditing, with participation in certification programmes expanding. Two certified energy auditors have already been established, he said, adding that the creation of the Energy Efficiency Fund represents an early but significant step towards developing the sector.

Mikayilov pointed out that Azerbaijan adopted a law on energy efficiency in 2021, followed by the signing of 13 regulatory acts aimed at implementing the legislation. He said the legal framework is already producing tangible results.

Under the current regulations, economic entities consuming more than 1,000 tonnes of oil equivalent of energy and buildings consuming more than 250 tonnes of oil equivalent are required to appoint energy managers and undergo mandatory energy audits.

With the ministry’s involvement, more than 50 entities have already completed certification, and many have appointed energy managers, Mikayilov added.

The EU Covenant of Mayors is a European Commission initiative launched in 2008 that unites local governments in tackling climate change. Over 10,500 municipalities from 27 countries, representing nearly 220 million people, have joined the programme, committing voluntarily to EU climate and energy targets.

Participating cities and towns develop Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs), aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening climate adaptation, and addressing energy poverty. The initiative provides scientific methodology, technical support, and a platform for cooperation among local, national and European stakeholders.

Initially focused on reducing CO₂ emissions by at least 20% by 2020, the Covenant has expanded to include broader priorities such as sustainable mobility, air quality, biodiversity, circular economy, and digitalisation. Its success led to the launch of the Global Covenant of Mayors in 2016, extending climate cooperation worldwide.

By Aghakazim Guliyev