Baku: Regional cooperation, reliable energy transmission systems, and strong institutions are essential for implementing the clean energy transition on a large scale, said Siegfried Leffler, Division Director at the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), during the panel discussion titled 'Regional Energy Connectivity for Sustainable Development' held within the framework of the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Leffler highlighted that countries in Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East-North Africa region are actively expanding their solar, wind, and hydropower capacities. He emphasized that this expansion necessitates flexibility in energy systems, balancing, reliable transmission networks, and regional cooperation, as no country can tackle these challenges independently.
Leffler pointed out that regional energy integration can generate significant economic benefits, noting that integrated electricity trade in West Africa could result in savings of approximately $5-8 billion annually. He remarked that the key issue in energy connectivity is not only about constructing transmission lines but ensuring their sustainable operation across borders, institutions, and different regulatory systems.
The GIZ representative underscored that rules, technical standards, and cooperation mechanisms are vital for successful regional energy trade. While physical infrastructure facilitates energy trade, strong institutions and mutual trust are necessary to maintain its reliability and sustainability.
Leffler further stated that the most successful projects go beyond just infrastructure; they are long-term cooperation projects. Countries are increasingly asking how to make regional integration work and how to turn political agreements into practical implementation. He added that technical assistance is crucial in the preparation, implementation, and post-implementation phases of projects and plays a role in attracting private capital.