BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 1. Against the background of the growing importance of natural gas in energy transformation, the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor project continues to grow, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in a letter to the participants of the Baku Energy Week, Trend reports.
"This project, which is of strategic importance for Azerbaijan, plays an important part in ensuring the energy security of Europe, and there are great opportunities for further expansion of this energy corridor.
Azerbaijan has set long-term goals for energy security, especially its green energy policy. In the field of energy, open, transparent, business- and result-oriented cooperation and mutual support are our unchanging principles. By 2030, we have identified becoming a “green growth” country and achieving a clean environment as one of our national priorities for socioeconomic development. Such a policy will provide a perfect foundation for a successful energy transformation in the region.
The existing stability, economic development, modern infrastructure, favorable business environment and great energy potential in our country have created broad prospects for the production and export of renewable energy. Azerbaijan, together with companies with extensive experience in the energy sector, has launched large-scale projects aimed at creating renewable energy capacities. Significant progress has already been made in creating a new generation capacity of 855 megawatts. This further strengthens and enhances the position of Azerbaijan as a reliable supplier of new energy resources in international markets.
The diversification of energy resources, de-carbonization, as well as increasing the use of natural gas as a source of low-carbon energy, are of particular importance in this process. The great energy potential of our liberated historical territories promises broad prospects for the implementation of successful “green energy” projects and energy security in the region. According to the data available, the production of solar and wind energy in Karabakh and East Zangazur can reach about 9,000-10,000 megawatts. For this purpose, conceptual “green energy” projects have already been developed in Karabakh and East Zangazur together with leading international companies, and the creation of a unique “green energy zone” concept consisting of modern renewable energy sources is currently underway. Along with huge natural gas reserves, our renewable energy potential promises important opportunities to become a “green growth” country.
Azerbaijan, which has a special position in the development of the world oil and energy industry, is also implementing large-scale investment projects in various countries. Today, the position of our country, which is recognized as a reliable partner in the international arena, is becoming even stronger. We are fulfilling our obligations and creating favorable conditions for foreign investors.
We must further expand our cooperation to ensure energy security, diversification and the transition to green energy in the region. In order to successfully meet the challenges of energy security in the future, the application of new technologies and digital solutions in this area should take precedence," the head of state said.