During the tenth Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council and the second Green Energy Advisory Council meetings on March 1, the focus was on expanding the gas supply route vital for the European Union and its neighbors.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, in an interview with Euronews, emphasized the collaborative efforts in building the 3,500km-long pipeline, marking a significant step towards diversifying Europe’s gas supply. Azerbaijan, known for its vast oil and gas reserves, has increased its gas exports by 9% last year, reaching 22 billion cubic meters, with Italy, Greece, Romania, Hungary, and Bulgaria as the main European buyers.
European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, highlighted the ongoing interest from new partner countries in securing additional gas volumes, acknowledging the transitional period towards fossil fuel alternatives.
The meetings also addressed the transition towards renewable energy sources, with President Aliyev advocating for a balanced assessment of countries with fossil fuel resources based on their environmental and green transition efforts. Azerbaijan aims to focus on renewable energy investments, particularly in wind power in the Caspian Sea, to support this transition.
Giles Dickson, CEO of Brussels-based WindEurope, discussed the importance of cross-border cooperation in energy projects, citing Azerbaijan’s plans to export wind-generated electricity to Europe via a new power cable through the Caucasus and the Black Sea.
As Azerbaijan gears up to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, President Aliyev highlighted the pressing need to address climate change impacts, emphasizing the country’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges.
