The prospects of exporting electricity from Central Asian countries to Europe through the territory of Azerbaijan were discussed at the tripartite meeting held at the Ministry of Economy. The parties reached an agreement on the establishment of a joint venture for the export of electricity and preparations for the economic justification of the project.
A tripartite meeting was held with the participation of the ministers of economy and energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to discuss the prospects of exporting electricity from Central Asian countries to Europe through the territory of Azerbaijan.
It was noted within the framework of the meeting that multifaceted relations are developing between our countries with common values and history, close friendly relations. The special role of the regular meetings in this direction between the heads of state of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan was emphasized.
It was noted that the participation of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as an honored guest at the 5th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia is an important indicator of brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries.
It was reported that Kazakh and Uzbek companies participate in the projects implemented in the liberated territories. A high school named after Mirza Ulugbey was built in Fuzuli on behalf of the Uzbek people. The Children's Creativity Center project named after Kurmangazi is implemented in this city by Kazakhstan.
It was also emphasized that Azerbaijan is a successful supplier of electricity in addition to exporting oil, oil products and natural gas. The projects carried out in the field of "green energy" provide an opportunity to expand the potential of electricity production and export, and open wide prospects for the transportation of electricity from Central Asian countries to Europe through the territory of Azerbaijan.
It was pointed out that the policy of the three countries regarding the development and export of renewable energy allows Azerbaijan to play the role of a bridge for the supply of electricity from Central Asian countries to Europe. Azerbaijan is working together with Georgia, Romania and Hungary to create the Caspian Sea-Black Sea-Europe energy corridor, which will allow the export of 4 GW of electricity. Another 1 GW of "green" energy is planned to be transported via the Nakhchivan-Türkiye-Europe route.
It was stated at the meeting that the access of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to these corridors will strengthen the development of electricity markets of these countries, cooperation on the production and supply of green hydrogen, ammonia, and strengthen partnership on energy security and "green projects" within the framework of the Middle Corridor.
The parties noted the non-alternativeness of sustainable development based on the widespread use of renewable energy sources and the expansion of generation capacity, and stressed that they will continue their unilateral and joint efforts on decarbonization without harming their economic development.
The successful experience of joint action and partnership in various spheres, including the field of energy, was mentioned during the discussions. The parties appreciated Azerbaijan's initiative on coordinating and synchronizing efforts on the future development of the energy system of regional countries, as well as mutual efforts in the direction of supplying clean electricity to the markets of third countries.
Noting the potential of the countries for renewable energy, the ministers mentioned that they are ready to join the project on the export of electricity obtained from alternative sources to Europe. In this context, after the integration of Azerbaijan's energy system, interest was expressed in investigating the possibilities of laying a high-voltage power line through the bottom of the Black Sea.
The ministers emphasized that the development of the "green" energy transmission project will strengthen the relations between the energy systems and economies of the participating countries, as well as give a new impetus to the national energy industries.
A joint communique was signed as a result of the meeting. The next meeting is expected to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan at the level of ministers of economy and energy.