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At the ongoing COP29, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Azerbaijan unveiled a groundbreaking renewable energy partnership aimed at accelerating the adoption of green energy in Central Asia. The announcement was made during the Energy Transition Investment Forum for Central Asia, a two-day event co-hosted by IRENA, the COP29 Presidency, and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Energy. The forum brought together energy ministers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan to discuss and explore collaborative efforts to advance renewable energy initiatives in the region.
Central Asian countries, which are rich in natural resources, are seeking to increase the use of renewable energy to address growing energy demand, diversify their energy mix, and contribute to global climate objectives. The new partnership, called the Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia (APRECA), is designed to leverage the collective strengths of the region’s nations. It will focus on creating a robust framework for regional cooperation, which includes fast-tracking investments, enhancing inter-regional connectivity for renewable energy trade, and maximizing socioeconomic benefits across the region.
IRENA’s Director-General, Francesco La Camera, emphasized the strategic advantages of Central Asia, noting the region’s abundant renewable energy resources, its key geographical position, and the ongoing efforts to create a green energy corridor connecting neighboring regions. He stated that APRECA offers a significant opportunity for the region to harness its renewable energy potential through a country-led partnership model, which integrates both commitments and effective planning for execution.
COP29 President, H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, welcomed the launch of APRECA, stressing the importance of enhancing climate ambition and enabling actionable solutions for energy transition. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s goal to have 30% of its domestic energy demand sourced from renewables and to export 5GW of renewable energy to Europe by 2030. Babayev also underscored the importance of Central Asia in contributing to global energy decarbonization efforts, marking the partnership as a crucial step toward achieving collective climate goals.
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, H.E. Parviz Shahbazov, emphasized the role of the Central Asia Energy Transition Investment Forum in advancing sustainable energy transformation in the region. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts to collaborate with neighboring countries in advancing green energy transitions, noting the establishment of the Central Asia-Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor. This initiative aims to enhance regional energy security and supply. Shahbazov also pointed to the green energy partnership agreement signed at COP29 between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, which will strengthen international cooperation and attract green investments.
The forum’s discussions cover a broad range of topics, including investment priorities, the creation of bankable projects, and innovative financing tools necessary to support a renewable-driven energy transition in the region. Experts will also focus on addressing the challenges faced by developers and financiers in Central Asia to improve access to affordable finance and drive the region’s renewable energy projects forward.
This partnership marks an important milestone for Central Asia as it seeks to become a key player in the global renewable energy market, with the potential to significantly contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. |
