State Agency: Azerbaijan boosts nuclear focus in strategy to cut emissions

Head of the Department of Nuclear and Radiation Safety Expertise of the State Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activity under the Azerbaijani Ministry of Emergency Situations Matanat Gahramanova has said that Azerbaijan is placing focus on the potential of nuclear energy. 

She made these remarks during a panel session at the 22nd Caspian International Transport, Transit and Logistics Exhibition in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The head of the department noted that this effort is part of the country’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and modernise key sectors of its economy.

Gahramanova noted that the use of nuclear technologies is becoming more relevant amid the country’s rapid economic development. 

“Azerbaijan is a member of the IAEA, which provides technical support and promotes the ‘Atoms for Net Zero’ initiative. The goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by using nuclear energy not only in the power sector but also in transportation and industry,” Gahramanova noted.

She pointed out that approximately 10 per cent of global electricity is currently generated through nuclear power — a figure that could be increased as part of international efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. 

“However, realising progress in this direction requires going through several key stages. The first step is for the country to make a political decision. A national strategy for nuclear energy development must be formulated, identifying the sectors where it can be most effectively utilised,” she added.

By Naila Huseynova