Azerbaijan and its Central Asian and Caucasus neighbors have significant opportunities to accelerate their energy transitions through regional collaboration, according to a new analysis from global energy think tank Ember. Released during COP29's Energy Day, the findings coincide with Azerbaijan's launch of a green energy corridors initiative aimed at integrating regional renewable power sources.
Renewable Opportunities and Challenges
The region's current reliance on fossil fuels highlights the need for a shift toward cleaner energy. Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan generate most of their electricity from natural gas, while Kazakhstan remains heavily dependent on coal. In contrast, hydro-rich countries like Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia already produce most of their electricity from renewable sources.
Ember's analysis underscores the region's untapped renewable potential, emphasizing geographical diversity as a critical advantage. Northern areas boast strong wind resources, the southern regions are ideal for solar power, and hydro opportunities are abundant in the eastern parts near the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers.
Regional Ambitions and Energy Corridors
Governments in the region are raising renewable energy ambitions. Uzbekistan plans to generate 40% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, up from its current 11% share. Azerbaijan targets a 30% share of renewables in installed capacity by 2030, while Kazakhstan aims for 15% renewable energy in its electricity mix, excluding large hydropower projects.
The proposed green energy corridors would link Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and the European Union, facilitating the exchange of low-cost, sustainable power. Such interconnections could leverage the region's diverse renewable resources, boosting energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Barriers to Integration
However, aging Soviet-era grid infrastructure presents a significant hurdle to renewable integration. The report highlights the need for substantial investment and a commitment to cross-border cooperation to modernize energy systems and support large-scale renewable development.
Azerbaijan's Strategic Role
Azerbaijan is well-positioned to become a green energy hub connecting Central Asia and Europe, provided it ramps up its renewable ambitions and fosters regional collaboration. Improved grid connections, such as enhancing the link between Azerbaijan and Turkey via Nakhchivan, could play a pivotal role in realizing this vision.
By prioritizing regional cooperation and infrastructure investment, the countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus could unlock their renewable potential, driving economic growth and contributing to a sustainable energy future.
