ANTALYA, Türkiye, April 17. Nuclear energy can
play an important role in the energy balance of Azerbaijan in the
future, the country's s Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov said at
the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Trend's special correspondent reports.
According to him, the country's energy strategy is based on the
need to diversify all types of energy resources.
"Azerbaijan has seriously embarked on developing renewable
energy sources. Our plans for the coming years include developing
up to 8 gigawatts of renewable energy. Two gigawatts will be
integrated into our domestic energy system by 2027. The remainder
will be developed in subsequent years and exported, as we did with
oil and gas," the minister noted.
Shahbazov emphasized that Azerbaijan's energy strategy is
increasingly based on interconnectors and new forms of energy
connectivity.
"We are moving forward through interconnectors, through energy
connectivity, as the minister just noted. We will transport and
ensure energy security not only through hydrocarbons but also
through 'electrons' - electricity, including renewable sources
Nuclear energy will be part of our energy mix, as we view it as
clean energy and an important component of the future energy
system. We understand how rapidly demand for electricity is
growing. According to the International Energy Agency, electricity
demand will grow three times faster than total global energy
demand," he said.
According to the minister, natural gas, renewable energy, and
nuclear energy will be key components of the 'smart energy
transition' in the future.
"This, as you said, is respect for all forms of energy. No one
is abandoning oil or even coal. During the crisis, we saw an
increase in coal production. All energy sources will be necessary
in the future, but we believe natural gas, renewable energy, and
nuclear energy will be key," Shahbazov stressed.
He also highlighted the importance of regional energy
connectivity between Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Europe, and the countries
of Central Asia.
"We are implementing such projects through Türkiye together with
Europe. At the same time, Azerbaijan has an interconnectivity
project with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which will ultimately
create an electric bridge between Asia and Europe, connecting
production and consumption centers. This is how we can ensure
energy security, environmental safety, and accessibility of energy
supplies. This energy dilemma can be resolved in this way. If we
exclude one element, we'll upset the balance in global energy
supplies, and everyone will suffer," the minister added.
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