BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 20. The Chinese Datang Corporation has organized a special training program and technical visit for specialists from Azerbaijan’s energy sector.
This was announced by the press service of the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan.
According to the Ministry, the two-week program is aimed at further developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the energy sector, exchanging expertise on cutting-edge technologies, and expanding professional networks.
At the opening of the training program, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Energy Elnur Soltanov delivered a video address, welcoming the participants and emphasizing the program’s importance for the development of Azerbaijani-Chinese cooperation in the energy sector.
Li Deyong, Vice President of China Datang Overseas Investment, welcomed the training participants and wished them success in the program’s implementation.
As part of the program, participants are provided with presentations and practical information on topics such as wind energy, hydrogen energy, advanced energy storage systems, including compressed air energy storage (CAES), integrated "wind-solar-energy storage" systems, modern high-efficiency gas turbines, conventional hydroelectric power plants, and pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants.
An important part of the visit’s program consists of technical visits to state-of-the-art industrial and energy facilities in Chengdu and Chongqing. During these visits, Azerbaijani representatives gain practical experience in the application, operation, and integration of modern energy technologies into energy systems.
The delegation includes representatives from the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources, OJSC "Azerenergi," and OJSC "Azerishig."
Azerbaijan is implementing large-scale projects to increase electricity production and diversify its energy system. In particular, the development of renewable energy sources is one of the main priorities of the country’s energy strategy. Currently, the country is implementing large-scale investment projects to build solar and wind power plants in partnership with bp, Masdar, ACWA Power, China Gezhouba Group Overseas Investment, SOCAR Green, and other partners. The implementation of these projects will add thousands of megawatts of new generating capacity to Azerbaijan’s energy mix in the coming years, thereby reducing domestic demand for natural gas and increasing gas exports.
According to Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, the implementation of these projects is expected to increase the share of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan’s energy mix to approximately 43% by 2035.
The minister stated that Azerbaijan is implementing strategic projects aimed at establishing a new energy and investment platform between Central Asia and neighboring regions. According to him, one of the main initiatives is the "Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor" project. "The creation of the Trans-Caspian Energy Corridor, which will connect the power grids of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, is an integral part of our countries’ strategic vision. This project also creates broad opportunities for the development of the Middle Corridor, which will serve as a green energy bridge between Europe, Asia, and China via the Caspian Sea," Parviz Shahbazov emphasized.
According to the minister, the "Green Corridors Alliance" joint venture, based in Baku, is already operational and is coordinating feasibility studies funded by the Asian Development Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In addition, intensive work is continuing on the "Caspian Sea–Black Sea–Europe" Green Energy Corridor, as well as on the Azerbaijan–Türkiye–Europe and Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye–Bulgaria energy interconnections. Parviz Shahbazov stated that "green energy corridors are shaping the geo-economic map of the future" and that these initiatives will stimulate not only energy exports but also the development of digital communications, fiber-optic infrastructure, and the regional economy.
Javid Abdullaev, director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy under the Ministry of Energy, said in an exclusive interview with Trend that the country is playing an increasingly important role in building a "green" energy bridge between Europe and Central Asia.
"Azerbaijan is no longer just an exporter of energy resources, but also one of the driving forces behind regional energy partnerships and green energy corridors. The wind and solar energy projects currently underway will not only strengthen the country’s energy security but also significantly expand its capacity to export electricity," Javid Abdullayev emphasized.
According to him, the Caspian Sea’s enormous wind energy potential, the construction of new power transmission lines, and initiatives such as the "Caspian-Black Sea–Europe" green energy corridor will further strengthen Azerbaijan’s role in Europe’s energy security. "Green energy projects will not only bring the country additional export revenues but will also allow us to optimize the domestic energy balance, reduce natural gas consumption, and redirect more gas to foreign markets," he added.
