Minister: Nuclear energy to become part of Azerbaijan’s energy mix

Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has stated that nuclear energy will become one of the components of the country’s energy balance.

Speaking at a panel session on energy during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Shahbazov said Azerbaijan is transitioning to a new model of energy security, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“We are moving to a new model and will ensure energy security not only through hydrocarbons, but also through electricity, including renewable sources. In addition, we have decided to include nuclear energy in our energy balance, as we consider it a clean source of energy and an important component of the future energy mix, given the growing electricity demand,” he said.

The minister noted that electricity demand is expected to grow three times faster than overall energy consumption.

“Therefore, in our view, a reasonable energy transition involves a combination of natural gas, renewable sources, and nuclear energy. This, in our opinion, will form the basis of the future global energy supply,” he stressed.

Shahbazov added that despite its status as an oil and gas producer, Azerbaijan is seriously advancing the development of renewable energy.

“This is an important direction of Azerbaijan’s energy policy, defined by President Ilham Aliyev, as we see the need for all types of energy. In the coming years, we plan to develop up to 8 GW of renewable capacity. Of this, around 2 GW will be integrated into our domestic energy system by 2027. The remaining capacity will be developed in subsequent years and exported—just as we have done with oil and are now doing with gas,” he added.

The minister also highlighted plans to expand interconnections and strengthen energy connectivity.

“No one is abandoning oil or its imports. All energy sources will be used in the future. However, the key components, in our view, will be natural gas, renewable energy, and nuclear power. This is the energy balance we plan to establish in Azerbaijan, and we will continue to develop energy links,” Shahbazov said.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov