Azerbaijan targets 6-8 GW renewable energy for EU export

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev unveiled ambitious renewable energy plans during a Wednesday press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa in Baku, announcing that the country aims to have approximately six to eight gigawatts of green energy capacity ready for export within the next half-decade. The declaration came as part of broader discussions on deepening energy cooperation between Baku and Brussels, building on a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2022.

"Azerbaijan is investing largely in wind, solar, and hydropower," Aliyev stated, detailing the country's strategy to transform its energy profile. "Our plan is in five, six years to have about from six to eight gigawatt(s) of renewable energy, which is ready for exports." He revealed that Azerbaijani officials are actively working with European partners on transmission infrastructure, including subsea cables and other critical energy network components necessary to deliver green power to European markets.

Energy partnership and gas exports

Aliyev emphasized that energy remains a cornerstone of Azerbaijan-EU relations, noting that natural gas exports to European countries have expanded both in volume and geographic reach. The European market now consumes half of Azerbaijan's total gas exports, with projections indicating a minimum of 10 billion cubic meters annually within two to three years, "if everything goes according to the schedule." The EU, identified as Azerbaijan's primary trading partner, stands to benefit from diversified energy supplies as Europe continues seeking alternatives to Russian hydrocarbons.

Connectivity and regional peace

Beyond energy, Costa highlighted connectivity as a crucial dimension of bilateral cooperation, particularly through development of the Middle Corridor linking Europe and Asia. "Completing the Baku-Nakhchivan rail link would be essential in that regard," Costa noted, emphasizing that enhanced transport connections would create jobs, drive growth, and strengthen economies. The discussions occurred against the backdrop of historic progress in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, with Aliyev observing that the initialing of a peace agreement has ushered in seven months of peace, the first extended period since independence in 1991. "Already we feel the benefits of that, and I'm sure that peace with Armenia will be forever," he added, expressing optimism about lasting regional stability.

EU commitment to Azerbaijan

Costa expressed the EU's "full solidarity" with the Azerbaijani people and gratitude for Baku's assistance in repatriating European citizens from Iran. He affirmed that the European Union stands ready to mobilize private investment and financing to support Azerbaijan's energy transition, while working on a new framework for closer cooperation across security, digital, and transport sectors. The visit, announced earlier Wednesday on social media, reinforces the strategic partnership between Baku and Brussels, with Türkiye closely watching these developments as a key regional actor with deep cultural and economic ties to Azerbaijan.