The 11th Ministerial Meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) Advisory Council and the 3rd Green Energy Advisory Council convened in Baku today, bringing together representatives from 24 partner governments and 52 international institutions and companies. The high-level dialogue underscored the deepening strategic energy partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan, with a renewed emphasis on accelerating the global shift toward green energy.
The Green Energy Advisory Council focused on collaborative efforts to expand renewable energy capacity, enhance energy efficiency, and advance hydrogen production. In particular, the Council highlighted Azerbaijan’s leadership as host of the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), where key energy transition frameworks were shaped. Participants recognized the importance of the three major COP29 energy initiatives—energy storage and grids, green energy zones and corridors, and hydrogen development—as instrumental steps toward meeting the Paris Agreement goals.
A key highlight was the Global Energy Storage and Grids Pledge, spearheaded by the Azerbaijani COP Presidency and backed by over 100 countries. This initiative aims to strengthen global electricity infrastructure and accelerate the deployment of renewable energy sources, particularly across Southeastern Europe and Central Asia.
Council members also discussed the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor Project, which is designed to transport clean energy from Azerbaijan and Central Asia to European markets. These cross-border projects are expected to improve energy connectivity and strengthen regional cooperation for a sustainable energy future.
On the sidelines, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson Jørgensen co-chaired an EU-Azerbaijan offshore wind energy roundtable, emphasizing the Caspian Sea’s potential in the global offshore wind energy market.
“We are entering a new era of energy cooperation where green energy corridors and interconnectors will play a central role in Europe’s energy security,” said Minister Shahbazov. “While gas remains vital for stability, investments in renewables are equally crucial for a sustainable energy mix.”
Commissioner Jørgensen added, “Our joint work strengthens the foundations for energy transition in Southeast Europe. The growing interest in expanding renewable energy routes reflects our collective ambition to create a more sustainable and secure energy system.”
While the SGC’s role in ensuring reliable natural gas supplies to Europe remains critical—delivering over 25 bcm of Azerbaijani gas in 2024, including 13 bcm to EU member states—the spotlight at this year’s meeting firmly rested on the region’s transition to green energy and the EU-Azerbaijan partnership’s evolving focus on long-term sustainability.
