President Aliyev: Azerbaijan aims to become exporter of “green energy”

President Ilham Aliyev has said that in the mid-term perspective, Azerbaijan aims to become an exporter of “green energy”.

“By utilizing its ample natural resources, our country has made important contributions to the global agenda of increasing alternative and renewable energy production, de-carbonization and diversification of energy sources. In the mid-term perspective, Azerbaijan aims to become an exporter of electricity obtained from alternative sources and “green energy”, hydrogen,” Aliyev said as he addressed the participants of the “Baku Energy Week”, Azertag reported on May 31.

“In particular, the implementation of large-scale projects in liberated territories, including the creation of a “green energy” zone in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, will turn the country into an alternative energy producer and exporter.

Taking into account the growing strategic importance of the Southern Gas Corridor project in the energy transition, the expansion of the TANAP and TAP projects has already become a topical issue for Azerbaijan. The expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor before 2027 and other prospects related to the transportation of energy resources will serve to further enhance the strategic role of our country in diversified energy supply and energy security of our partners,” the head of state emphasized.

“This year's “Baku Energy Week” coincides with the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people and the founder of the independent Azerbaijan state. This is a remarkable event. The emergence of the energy dialogue platform and exhibition activities in Azerbaijan is associated with the exceptional role of Heydar Aliyev,” the president said.

“The foundation of the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition and the launch of the oil strategy developed under the leadership of the National Leader occurred at the same time, in 1994. Azerbaijan’s becoming a trustworthy contributor to energy security after the signing of the Contract of the Century in the same year set a successful example of cooperation with foreign partners in the oil and gas sector and in the export of energy resources. Currently, Azerbaijan is replicating its success in the oil and gas history by implementing projects related to the export of “green energy,” the head of state emphasized.

“I am sure that the “Baku Energy Week” will further step up the dialogue on global cooperation on energy security and diversification of energy sources,” Aliyev noted.

“I congratulate you on the occasion of the start of the “Baku Energy Week”, which includes a number of prestigious energy events of the Caspian region, and wish you success in your future activities.

The “Baku Energy Week” encompasses authoritative events such as the 28th International Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, the 11th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition and the 28th Baku Energy Forum. This traditional annual event is an opportunity for discussing matters related to global energy security, the potential of alternative and renewable energy, including the promotion of “green energy” projects, as well as the diversification of energy sources,” the head of state noted.

“It’s almost 30 years since 1994, the Caspian Oil and Gas exhibition has been helping Azerbaijan to present its potential to international investors. Back in 1994, it was just the beginning of Heydar Aliyev’s oil strategy,” said the President of Azerbaijan.

“As it was already mentioned, this year we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founder of the independent Azerbaijan. And 1994 was not only the year of the first Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, but also the year of signing the contract of the century, which changed completely the situation in our country, attracted investments, brought economic stability, and led to a more prosperous future of Azerbaijan. 1994 was the year when the 1st Karabakh war ended, signing a ceasefire agreement, just as 2-3 months after the contract of the century was signed,” the head of state added.

“Signing the Contract of the Century in 1994 was the only step which could provide success, sustainable development, economic independence, and as a result, political independence,” said Aliyev.

Noting that the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition in 1994 was the first event, which presented Azerbaijan to the energy community of the world, the head of state expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the event for their continuous support.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the 28th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition (Caspian Oil & Gas) and the 11th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition (Caspian Power) within the framework of the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Center.

In his opening remarks, ICA Group Advisor Russell Taylor emphasized the importance of the event.

The head of state addressed the event.

Then, Assistant US Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt and UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan Baroness Emma Nicholson read out the letters of President of the United States of America Joseph Biden and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak addressed to the President of Azerbaijan, respectively.

Director for Energy Policy, Strategy and Coordination at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy Christina Lobillo Borrero addressed the event.

Following the speeches, the head of state viewed the 28th International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition (Caspian Oil & Gas) and the 11th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition (Caspian Power) within the framework of the Baku Energy Week at the Baku Expo Center.

President Ilham Aliyev signed the Exhibition’s guest book.

The head of state was presented with commemorative gifts.