BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 20. Green energy
generated in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories will be sufficient
not only to meet domestic demand but also for export in the future,
said Vahid Hajiyev, the President's Special Representative for
Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan regions, Trend reports.
Speaking at the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Vahid Hajiyev
said reconstruction efforts in the liberated areas are focused not
only on rebuilding infrastructure but also on ensuring long-term
sustainable economic development and permanent settlement.
Hajiyev made the remarks during a session titled “Urban Value
Chain in Practice: Implementation of Smart and Sustainable City
Projects in Azerbaijan.”
He said the government is applying targeted incentives to
attract investors and support business activity in the region,
including tax and customs exemptions, as well as preferential
financing mechanisms.
To facilitate investment, simplified regulatory conditions have
also been introduced for both local and foreign investors, he
added.
Hajiyev highlighted the Araz Valley Economic Zone as one of the
key investment hubs in the region, noting that 19 resident
companies and three non-resident business entities are currently
operating there.
He said that the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions
have been officially designated as a “Green Energy Zone,” where
renewable energy solutions are being widely implemented.
According to him, hydropower resources are actively used, with
four hydroelectric power stations operating in Zangilan alone, each
with a capacity of 50 megawatts.
He added that the region’s solar energy potential is
significantly higher than in other parts of Azerbaijan, with solar
panels being installed on residential and public buildings.
The official also noted that international energy companies are
increasingly investing in the region’s renewable energy sector. BP
is investing in a 240-megawatt solar power plant in Jabrayil, while
two additional foreign companies are developing projects with a
combined capacity of 150 megawatts.
Hajiyev said all renewable energy sources will be integrated
into the national grid, contributing not only to local consumption
but also to future export capacity.
“This energy will be fully sufficient not only for local
industrial needs in Karabakh but also for export in the future,” he
said.
He stressed that Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction model
goes beyond physical rebuilding, aiming instead to create fully
self-sustaining communities.
The strategy, he said, is built on four key pillars: smart
planning, green energy, digital solutions, and economic
development, aligned with global Sustainable Development Goals.
Hajiyev added that Azerbaijan’s experience could serve as a
practical contribution to global discussions on post-conflict
recovery and climate-resilient regional development.
In the mean time, today marks the fourth day of WUF13 in
Baku.
The first day included a ministerial meeting dedicated to the
New Urban Agenda, a ministerial roundtable, assemblies for women
and civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
prosperity. An official ceremony marking the raising of the UN and
Azerbaijani flags also took place.
The second day stood out for the inaugural Leaders' Summit,
featuring high-level discussions on the global housing crisis,
urbanization policy, and urban resilience. Concurrently, the
opening of the Mexico City pavilion took place, serving as a
significant platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.
The third day of WUF13 featured a comprehensive program of
events covering the global housing crisis, the formation of safe
and inclusive cities, climate resilience, artificial intelligence
and urban governance, green urbanization, social equity, and
sustainable transport.
WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.
