Baku: Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Caspian region are evolving into a new energy space, Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov declared at the Energy Transition Investment Forum for Central Asia.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the minister emphasized the rapid transformation of the global energy system, highlighting energy security, climate goals, technological innovation, and increasing energy demand as pivotal factors shaping the global energy agenda.
Parviz Shahbazov pointed out the swift rise in energy demand driven by the development of artificial intelligence and data centers. This surge necessitates the creation of new power generation capacities and the expansion and modernization of electricity grids. He mentioned the APREC platform, an initiative of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which aims to accelerate renewable energy integration between Central Asia and neighboring regions, contributing to the formation of a new energy and investment platform.
The minister identified the Central Asia-Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor as a critical project in this direction, recalling the strategic partnership agreement signed by the presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan two years ago in Baku. He stressed that the development of cooperation in renewable energy is a vital component of President Ilham Aliyev's vision to transform Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Caspian region into a unified geopolitical space.
Azerbaijan is also preparing to host the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) World Environment Day 2026. Key topics of discussion during the event will include climate resilience, biodiversity, Caspian Sea level changes, sustainable cities, and renewable energy. Shahbazov highlighted the forum's key objectives as promoting investment in the energy transition, expanding regional cooperation, and strengthening Central Asia's position in the global green energy agenda. He also extended his best wishes to Turkey for its COP31 presidency.