Minister: More Central Asian nations may join Azerbaijan in green energy project

Central Asian countries could soon have the opportunity to join a green energy initiative currently being developed by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, according to Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov.

At an investment forum held during COP29, which focused on energy transition in Central Asia, he highlighted that the ongoing energy collaboration between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan is not limited to just these three nations, Caliber.Az reports.

Shahbazov remarked, "I would like to emphasise that the energy project between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan is not restricted to these countries alone. Other Central Asian states, particularly Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which possess significant energy resources, especially hydropower potential, could certainly join this initiative in the future, contributing meaningfully to its development."

This announcement follows a recent agreement between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to integrate their energy systems. Shahbazov explained that efforts are already underway to study the necessary infrastructure and logistics for such integration, with consultation forums having already been held to support this work.

The Minister also underscored the importance of boosting investments in Central Asia’s energy sector as part of the region’s broader energy transition.

"Establishing joint ventures will serve as a catalyst for the future development of the energy corridor and the export of renewable energy to other regions," Shahbazov concluded.

By Aghakazim Guliyev