At the COP30 thematic session on “Energy Transition” in Belém, Brazil, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova emphasized the urgent need to accelerate clean energy adoption to curb greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and foster sustainable development.
Gafarova stressed that achieving these objectives demands sustained commitment and a profound shift in how energy is produced, distributed, and consumed—one that meets global demands while tackling climate challenges head-on.
She highlighted Azerbaijan’s COP29 presidency focus on energy transition, noting four High-Level Energy Transition Dialogues co-hosted with the International Energy Agency (IEA) that united global partners and shaped the international energy agenda. In collaboration with UNIDO, UNECE, UNESCAP, IEA, and IRENA, Azerbaijan launched three flagship initiatives: the Global Incubator for Energy Efficiency and Grids, the Global Incubator for Green Energy Zones and Corridors, and the COP29 Hydrogen Declaration.
These initiatives, rooted in the Paris Agreement’s first Global Stocktake and existing commitments, aim to bridge implementation gaps through targeted action on clean energy infrastructure, deployment, storage, transmission, and distribution. They promote innovation, technology transfer, grid interconnectivity, and new investment models to ensure equitable global participation in the energy transition.
Gafarova showcased Azerbaijan’s renewable energy progress, with technical potential of 135 GW onshore and 157 GW offshore, and an economic potential of 27 GW. Renewables currently account for 18.8% (1.8 GW) of installed capacity, with over 2 GW in projects slated for completion by 2027. By 2030, Azerbaijan targets 40% of its energy from renewables—a bold commitment despite abundant fossil fuel reserves.
She cited the Green Energy Zone in the liberated territories, devastated during nearly 30 years of occupation, as a model of sustainable reconstruction and regional transformation.
In closing, Gafarova reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s dedication to expanding renewable capacity, harnessing hydropower, and enhancing energy efficiency in support of global climate goals and a just, secure energy future.
https://renewables.az/en/news/speaker-of-azerbaijan-s-milli-majlis-addresses-cop30-thematic-session-on-energy-transition