Brussels:Azerbaijan exported 12.8 billion cubic meters bcm) of gas to Europe last year, as highlighted in the 4th Meeting of the High-Level Energy Dialogue between Azerbaijan and the European Union EU) held in Brussels. The meeting aimed to enhance the strategic energy partnership between the two parties and was chaired by Azerbaijan's Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, along with EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan J¸rgensen.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the dialogue focused on the mutual importance of energy relations, discussing opportunities for cooperation in natural gas supply and energy security. The discussions also covered renewable energy development, electricity grid strengthening, and the creation of green energy corridors. The meeting emphasized Azerbaijan's ongoing commitment to the Southern Gas Corridor, noting that half of its gas exports are directed to Europe, with supplies surpassing 7 bcm in the first eight months of this year. Azerbaijani gas was supplied to Germany and Austria for the first time, increasing the number of EU member states receiving its gas to ten.
Minister Shahbazov outlined several projects aimed at boosting gas production, including the Shah Deniz Compression project and developments in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli ACG) fields and the Absheron gas field. The minister also mentioned the initial phase of expanding the Trans Adriatic Pipeline TAP) and potential future expansions of the Southern Gas Corridor. He noted that approximately 80% of Azerbaijan's crude oil exports are destined for Europe.
The meeting also addressed Azerbaijan's renewable energy prospects, highlighting its offshore wind and onshore solar potential. The parties explored the feasibility of delivering green electricity to Europe, supported by the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor project, which was presented by CESI. The importance of the project receiving Project of Mutual Interest PMI) status was emphasized.
The discussions included strategies for improving energy efficiency and reducing methane emissions, continuing the energy dialogue initiated in 2022 between Azerbaijan and the EU.