Baku:On the sidelines of the Green Energy Corridor From Feasibility Study to Implementation Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan's Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, met with Stephanie Gil, the World Bank's Energy Practice Manager for the Europe and Central Asia Region (ECA). The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the World Bank in the energy sector.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the discussions included reviewing the AZURE project and providing technical assistance for developing green energy corridors. The collaboration aims to expand renewable energy generation, strengthen the electricity grid, and establish regional energy interconnections.

The Minister highlighted four energy interconnection projects being implemented by Azerbaijan with partner countries. These projects aim to connect the electricity systems of Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. The strategic importance of these initiatives in strengthening energy security, expanding cross-border electricity trade, and attracting new investment was emphasized. Additionally, connecting Central Asia's solar, wind, and hydropower resources to European markets was noted as offering long-term development prospects.

The discussions specifically focused on the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor, stressing the importance of the World Bank's active participation. The parties also reviewed prospects for developing energy and digital connectivity from the Caspian Sea to Central Europe, including integrating a fiber-optic link into the Green Energy Corridor.

It was further noted that the World Bank's technical assistance includes assessments of the regulatory frameworks in participating countries, electricity supply and demand, cross-border transmission capacity, business models, and financing options.