A Joint Communiqué was adopted at the meeting of the heads of the relevant ministries of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which envisages issues of cooperation in the field of energy exchange focusing on renewable energy sources, including the export of "green" energy.
A Joint Communiqué was adopted on November 14, 2023, in Baku between Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan as a result of the tripartite meeting in which prospects for the export of electricity from Central Asian countries to Europe through the territory of Azerbaijan were discussed. The document was signed by Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov, Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Almasadam Satkaliyev.
The Joint Communiqué reflected issues such as energy exchange focusing on renewable energy sources, development and export of "green" hydrogen and "green" ammonia, and cooperation in the field of creating relevant infrastructure. As per the document, the parties agreed on the establishment of a joint venture for the export of electricity and preparation for the economic justification of the project. According to the Joint Communiqué, third countries in the region can participate in this project.
JOINT COMMUNICATION
of the heads of the relevant ministries of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan
In order to further develop and strengthen economic and energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and the countries of the Central Asian region, including the possibilities of the Middle Corridor;
Emphasizing that there is no alternative to sustainable development based on the widespread use of renewable energy sources, as well as the intention of the parties to continue their separate and joint efforts for future decarbonization without depriving them of the right to develop their economies;
Taking into account the successful experience of joint action and cooperation in various fields, including energy;
Welcoming the initiative of coordinating and synchronizing the future development of the energy systems of the regional countries of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the potential of sustainable integration of energy systems, as well as efforts to supply and exchange clean electric energy to the markets of third countries, in accordance with the mutual interests of the parties;
Taking into account the implementation of the joint project of the Caspian-Black Sea-European export corridor by Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hungary and Romania;
Pointing out the prospects of the Nakhchivan-Turkey-Europe energy corridor;
Highlighting the prospects emerging from coordinating efforts to build infrastructure for the transport of "green" electrons and molecules;
Taking into account the task of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to unite the efforts of relevant ministries and commercial organizations in this direction;
Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan represented by Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev;
Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, represented by Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov;
Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, represented by Minister Laziz Kudratov;
Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, represented by Minister Mikayil Jabbarov;
the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, represented by Minister Parviz Shahbazov, held a meeting on November 14, 2023 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The ministers emphasized the potential of the countries in the field of renewable energy and mentioned that they are ready to join the project of exporting electricity from alternative sources to Europe. Interest was expressed in this context in exploring the possibility of laying high-voltage lines through the bottom of the Black Sea after integrating it into the energy system of Azerbaijan.
The ministers confirmed that the development of the "green" energy transmission project will further strengthen the links between the economies and energy systems of the participating countries, as well as give new impetus to national energy industries.
1) The parties participating in the meeting (hereinafter "Parties") agreed on the establishment of a Joint Working Group to prepare a technical task in the following areas:
- cooperation in the field of energy exchange, focusing on renewable energy sources;
- cooperation in the development and export opportunities of "green" hydrogen and "green" ammonia;
- cooperation in creating appropriate infrastructure.
2) A tender will be announced for the preparation of the initial technical and economic justification based on the technical assignment approved by the parties;
3) The parties will consider the prospect of establishing a joint venture for the implementation of the project in a short period of time;
4) The parties confirm their intention to use the project format, which allows the participation of third countries in the region.
The parties expressed their gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for organizing the tripartite meeting at a high level.
In order to organize systematic work on project promotion, the Parties have agreed:
- holding meetings of the Joint Working Group at the level of experts on a weekly basis, including in an online format;
- to organize monthly online negotiations at the level of energy ministers;
- to hold face-to-face meetings at the level of heads of relevant ministries once a quarter.
The parties agreed to hold the next meeting at the level of heads of relevant ministries in Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan.
A. Satkaliyev, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan
J. Mirzamahmudov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan
L. Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan
M. Jabbarov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
P. Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku city, November 14, 2023
(Unofficial translation)
