Environmental sustainability will lead the way in Azerbaijan’s development strategy, according to the minister of economy Mikayil Jabbarov.
Speaking at COP28 in Dubai earlier this month, Jabbarov stressed the global challenges posed by climate change and reiterated his country’s commitment to the green transition.
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“Today, the world is facing challenges towards achieving the priorities set in the international initiative on climate change,” he said.
“[Azerbaijan’s] commitment to fostering transformative changes reflects a dedication to reshaping the national economy with a focus on sustainability, inclusive growth and clean energy.”
At this year’s summit, Azerbaijan was announced as the host country for COP29, pledging to lead towards a more sustainable and secure future for all.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has since called the decision a “significant milestone” highlighting global confidence in the country’s robust position.
«I have no doubt that we will hold the COP29 International Conference with utmost excellence, marking another significant triumph for our nation and its people,» President Aliyev said.
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«The focal points of our current energy policy revolve around the development of green energy and the facilitation of its transport to global markets.
«This commitment reflects a tangible reality, and the international community will once again witness our unwavering dedication to advancing the cause of green energy.»
Since the adoption of global initiatives, Azerbaijan has demonstrated huge improvement in working towards the 2030 Agenda.
By 2026, renewable energy sources will constitute 24 per cent of the installed capacity for electricity generation in Azerbaijan, with a more ambitious target of 30 per cent by 2030.
By 2050, the country hopes to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent.
Currently, large-scale projects related to the production and export of renewable energy are underway in Azerbaijan, with the creation of transmission lines from wind power plants, as well as a project to form a green energy corridor connecting the Caspian Sea with Europe via the Black Sea submarine cable.
Last year, Azerbaijan was also one of four countries to form an international cooperation in the field of green energy.
The agreement on a strategic partnership in the field of green energy development and transmission between the governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary was signed in Bucharest on 17 December 2022 by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of Romania Nicolae Ciucă, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili and Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban.
COP28: A lasting legacy
Through its pavilion at COP28, Azerbaijan unveiled its strategy for future environmental initiatives, including efforts to achieve carbon neutrality and bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Under the theme of “Pioneering Solutions for Climate Resilience”, the pavilion was split into zones which highlighted Azerbaijan’s sustainability goals.
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One such zone explained Azerbaijan’s commitment to increasing its share of renewable energy, demonstrating a profound dedication in transitioning to clean energy sources.
Another key theme was the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, illustrating the 40 per cent reduction target and aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
The final installation explored Azerbaijan’s focus on the creation of a carbon-neutral zone in the territories of Karabakh, demonstrating a determination to rebuild sustainably.
Between 2021 and 2023, hydropower plants with a 170-megawatt capacity have been built in Karabakh and East Zangezur.
By the end of 2024, the plants are expected to generate 270 megawatts of electricity, with overall capacity expected to surge to 500 megawatts in coming years with the addition of hydropower plants.
Looking to the future
Azerbaijan’s bid to host COP29 was made possible after Armenia withdrew its own bid, in a significant easing of geopolitical tensions.
A joint statement from Azerbaijan and Armenia has since been highlighted as an important confidence building measure and a move towards peace negotiations.
“As a sign of good gesture, the Republic of Armenia supports the bid of the Republic of Azerbaijan to host the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, by withdrawing its own candidacy,” the statement read.
“The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan do hope that the other countries within the Eastern European Group will also support Azerbaijan’s bid to host. As a sign of good gesture, the Republic of Azerbaijan supports the Armenian candidature for Eastern European Group COP Bureau membership.”
