Can Azerbaijan help Israel export its gas to Europe? Expert explains

Israel could utilize Azerbaijan’s gas infrastructure to export natural gas to Europe, according to Victor Baryudin, former director of the Engineering Inspection Division at the Israeli Ministry of Energy.

Speaking to local media, Baryudin explained that while the possibility depends on geopolitical conditions, the deep energy cooperation between the two countries makes this option worth considering, Caliber.Az reports.

"Is it possible to use Azerbaijan's logistics [Southern Gas Corridor opportunities] in Türkiye? Yes, it is possible — if the international environment allows," he said.

Baryudin provided an overview of Israel’s current gas production and export capacity.

"Israel produces around 25 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. Of this, approximately 14 billion cubic meters are used for domestic consumption, while the remaining 11 billion cubic meters are exported," he stated.

According to him, Israel's gas production fully meets the country's internal needs, with exports accounting for roughly 45% of total output.

"We fully cover our own gas needs. The remainder goes for export. The ratio is about 55% for the domestic market and 45% for export," he added.

The expert emphasized that to increase Israel’s gas exports to other markets, it is necessary to advance the second stage of development at the Leviathan and Tamar gas fields.

"There are plans to increase production at these areas. In addition, there is potential to boost output at the Karish and Tanin fields," Baryudin noted.

Beyond the energy sector, he highlighted multiple areas of potential cooperation between Israel and Azerbaijan.

"This applies to high technology, agriculture, green energy, as well as solving water shortage problems, including through desalination of seawater," he said.

Baryudin concluded by stressing the strong relationship between the two nations, particularly in the energy sector.

"Azerbaijan, for its part, is a country with a highly developed oil and gas industry. The specialists we have in Azerbaijan are highly professional, both in knowledge and experience. We are two countries with unique experience in building relations based on mutual respect and mutual assistance," he said.

By Tamilla Hasanova