BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 24. The
technical-economic feasibility study for the Central
Asia-Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor is expected to be completed
by early 2027, with the Italian company CESI selected as the
consulting firm to lead preliminary research over eleven months,
Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Elnur Soltanov, said in an
exclusive interview with Trend.
Soltanov stated that the project aims to integrate the energy
systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan and establish a
“green energy” route to Europe.
"Selecting a consulting firm at this stage is crucial to ensure
the project is completed on time and to a high standard, as
advancing to the investment and construction phases is impossible
without a feasibility study. This decision will have a direct
impact on the project’s overall timeline," he stressed.
Elnur Soltanov highlighted that ongoing renewable energy
projects enable the gradual achievement of strategic goals.
"In this context, the 230 MW Garadagh Solar Power Plant (SPP),
built by the United Arab Emirates’ Masdar company and the largest
in the Caspian region and the CIS, was commissioned in 2023.
Additionally, the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Combined Energy Station
(KES), constructed by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power, held its official
opening on January 8, 2026. The successful completion of these
projects marks a significant milestone in advancing the country’s
renewable energy targets.
Within the “mega” project framework, Masdar is also developing
the 445 MW Bilasuvar SPP, the 315 MW Neftchala SPP, and the 240 MW
Absheron-Garadagh Combined Heat and Power Plant, with construction
progressing steadily. The first solar panel at Bilasuvar GES was
installed in October 2025, and construction of the station is
ongoing," he added.
Soltanov highlighted that the implementation of other priority
projects is also progressing.
"Work is underway on the 240 MW Shafag SPP in the liberated
territories, the Shams and Ufug SPPs projects with capacities of 50
MW each, as well as two additional SPP projects totaling 50 MW in
the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Moreover, key cooperation
agreements in renewable energy have been signed with companies from
the People’s Republic of China, paving the way for several
significant onshore and offshore projects," he said.
Regarding wind energy in the Caspian Sea, five potential zones
have been identified, and work continues to designate these areas
for renewable energy use. Soltanov noted that the Caspian wind
projects are strategically important for strengthening energy
security and advancing green energy targets, with technical
potential estimated at 157 GW.
"Several agreements have already been signed to ensure this
potential is effectively harnessed. Potential sites for wind
projects were identified, reviewed by relevant state agencies, and
formally agreed upon. Work is now underway to officially designate
these areas as renewable energy zones," the official said.
He also discussed three main green energy corridors:
Caspian-Black Sea-Europe, Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe, and Central
Asia-Azerbaijan-Europe.
"The Caspian-Black Sea-Europe corridor has already established a
joint venture involving operators from Azerbaijan, Georgia,
Romania, and Hungary, with the feasibility study expected to
conclude in the first quarter of the year. The first phase of the
project is slated for completion in 2032, followed by the second
phase in 2036, and the third in 2040. The project received a
positive response when it was proposed for inclusion in the next
Ten-Year Network Development Plan (TYNDP) of the European Network
of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), and it
was officially added to the TYNDP 2026 project portfolio on October
20, 2025. The next step will involve applying for PCI/PMI (Projects
of Common Interest / Mutual Interest) status," he added.
Soltanov highlighted that the other two corridors,
“Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe” and “Central Asia-Azerbaijan-Europe,”
are also in the preliminary feasibility study and agreement
phase.
“Projects continue to integrate the energy infrastructures of
Azerbaijan and Türkiye and to enable electricity exports via
Nakhchivan. As part of the project, the 'Jabrayil' substation, with
a capacity of 330/110/10 kilovolts and 2x250 MVA, has been
completed and is operational, establishing the 'Jabrayil' energy
hub. Plans are underway to construct a 330 kV power transmission
line linking the Jabrayil energy hub with Nakhchivan through the
Zangezur corridor via Armenia and/or Iran, alongside a new 330 kV
substation in Nakhchivan,” he explained.
In his statement, Deputy Minister elaborated on the
transformative potential of the Trans-Caspian Energy Corridor
agreement signed by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan within
the region’s evolving energy architecture. He underscored that the
“Agreement on Strategic Partnership in the Development and
Transmission of Green Energy between the Governments of the
Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the
Republic of Uzbekistan” represents a pivotal step in deepening
regional energy cooperation:
"This agreement establishes the framework for new 'green energy'
corridors, enabling the transfer of substantial energy volumes from
Central Asia to European markets. Enhanced integration of the
energy systems of the three nations will bolster regional energy
flows and stability while contributing to Europe’s energy
diversification. Consequently, reliance on gas and other
hydrocarbon sources will diminish, while the share of renewable
energy will expand. Beyond energy supply, the agreement creates
profound economic and geopolitical advantages, further
consolidating regional energy security through intensified
cooperation," he stated.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the implications of the
Protocol of the 6th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Italy Joint
Intergovernmental Commission, signed earlier this year in Baku, for
advancing bilateral green energy collaboration. He recalled that
the Protocol endorsed the Cooperation Action Plan for 2026-2027
between the two countries, encompassing 73 areas of strategic
engagement:
"This Action Plan provides for expanded collaboration across
multiple sectors, with energy at its core. In the realm of green
energy, it facilitates carbon reduction initiatives, promotes
investment, and encourages the transfer of renewable energy
technologies. The Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor,
in particular, establishes a novel route for exporting renewable
energy to Europe, enhancing Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in this
dynamic. For Italy and other European nations, this corridor offers
strategic advantages in energy diversification, export expansion,
and the delivery of clean energy alternatives to traditional oil
and gas supplies."
Looking ahead, Soltanov outlined Azerbaijan’s principal
priorities and strategic direction for its green energy agenda in
the near and medium term:
"Azerbaijan’s green energy policy, aligned with the nation’s
long-term socio-economic development strategy, emphasizes the
efficient utilization of energy in 2026, the expansion of renewable
energy sources, implementation of large-scale wind and solar
projects, phased decarbonization of the energy sector, enhancement
of export potential, and the fortification of regional and
international energy cooperation. By 2030, the plan anticipates the
commissioning of six gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar capacity,
expanding to eight GW by 2032. In Karabakh and East Zangezur,
hydro, solar, and wind installations, including rooftop panels, are
projected to generate 1.6 GW by 2030, culminating in a reduction
exceeding two million tons of emissions," the official
concluded.
