Natural gas will continue to serve as a cornerstone for Azerbaijan’s energy security while facilitating a sustainable energy transition, according to Tabriz Ammayev, Deputy Director for Strategy and Sustainability at SOCAR’s Azerigaz Production Union. Speaking at the 13th International Caspian Energy Forum 2025 in Baku, as reported by Report, Ammayev stressed that the essence of the energy transition extends beyond replacing fuels.
“The real objective is to transform how we produce, distribute, and manage energy consumption,” he explained. “Energy security and transition must coexist without undermining each other. A decade ago, security took precedence, with natural gas as its backbone—both domestically and for exports. Today, amid technological progress, geopolitical tensions, and climate pressures, security is increasingly integrated into the broader transition framework. While the dominant focus of the next decade is uncertain, natural gas will undeniably remain a vital element.”
Ammayev cautioned against an uneven transition, noting potential conflicts. “Natural gas acts as a reliable bridge fuel, emitting 40–50% less carbon than coal or fuel oil. Composed mainly of methane, it burns cleanly with minimal heat loss and no soot, ash, or solid waste. Its role will expand across households, industry, and power generation. Renewable sources like wind and solar are intermittent and require advanced storage solutions that are not yet commercially viable. Until then, natural gas offers the most practical and dependable balancing mechanism.”
https://report.az/en/energy/ammayev-natural-gas-to-have-key-role-in-azerbaijan-s-energy-transition