BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 6. Spotline to be on nuclear energy at COP29, said Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov at the inaugural meeting of the World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Rome, Trend reports.
Shahbazov underscored the pivotal role nuclear energy plays in the global energy shift, serving as a clean, steady, and long-haul source of power. He highlighted its remarkable efficiency, knack for cranking out substantial electricity with a shoestring budget, and its feather-light carbon footprint.
The minister also stressed the importance of improving safety standards, proper handling of radioactive waste, financial support, and boosting public trust in nuclear energy as key challenges for its development.
Shahbazov acknowledged the global efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to promote the safe, peaceful, and sustainable use of nuclear energy, along with the Atoms4NetZero initiative, which aims to enhance nuclear energy’s role in the global energy transition alongside renewable sources.
The Minister highlighted that Azerbaijan, a trusted partner in energy security, is currently executing large-scale projects that will secure up to 35.5 percent of renewable energy in its electricity generation capacity by 2030, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2.8 million tons.
He also pointed out Azerbaijan’s significant role in the global “green energy transition,” particularly through the creation of a "green energy corridor" that stretches from the Caspian Sea and Central Asia to Europe.
The Minister emphasized that Azerbaijan’s priorities for its presidency at COP29 further solidify its commitment to the vision of becoming a “green growth country,” advancing the “green energy” initiative, and updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reflect the importance of leveraging all sources of "clean" energy.
"In this context, we believe that nuclear energy, including small modular reactors, could play a crucial role in supporting our long-term energy transition strategy. Azerbaijan, while honoring its international obligations and adopting best practices, is ready to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to introduce new technologies into the energy sector," Shahbazov added.
Azerbaijan’s Country Programme Framework for 2024-2029 will significantly contribute to the further development of cooperation with the IAEA in the fields of nuclear technology and energy.
Shahbazov also underscored Azerbaijan's strong commitment to using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. He stated that following COP28 and the Atomic Energy Summit, COP29 will provide a platform to emphasize and promote the crucial role of nuclear energy in combating climate change.
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