Azerbaijan has potential to become regional renewable energy hub, IRENA chief says

Azerbaijan has the potential not only to develop its own renewable energy resources but also to become a regional hub connecting clean energy, infrastructure projects, and markets of Central Asia and other regions, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Francesco La Camera, said at the opening ceremony of Baku Climate Action Week 2026 (BCAW 2026).

He emphasized that the energy systems of the future will be shaped not simply by the location of energy resources, but by the opportunities for harnessing renewable sources, building the appropriate infrastructure, and integrating markets with each other.

"This opens up serious prospects for Central Asia, and from Minister Parviz Shahbazov [Azerbaijani Energy Minister - ed.], we learned how many initiatives are already being implemented in this region, including the creation of links with Europe. Building on the momentum generated at COP29 here in Baku, we now need to push the agenda of practical implementation further, towards COP31. The main focus should now be on transforming ambitions into concrete steps-through sectoral deployment, investments in grid infrastructure, fostering an enabling policy environment, and attracting finance. Regional integration will play an equally important role in turning these plans into reality," La Camera stated.

The IRENA director-general noted Azerbaijan's merits in making renewable energy one of its key national priorities, including the intention to commission green energy projects with a total capacity of 2 gigawatts by 2027.

"Azerbaijan has the opportunity to go beyond harnessing its own renewable resources and become a regional hub linking clean energy, infrastructure, and markets in Central Asia and beyond. Azerbaijan and Central Asia also have everything necessary to tap into their vast renewable energy potential and strategic geographical location through the regional integration of energy systems and the creation of green energy corridors," he added.