Expansion of green energy cooperation with Chinese companies was discussed in Beijing

Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, who was on a visit to China to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference, met with a number of companies. The meetings focused on the adoption of the Joint Declaration on the establishment of strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China and the development of green energy cooperation in the context of the policy of the Heads of States to promote the comprehensive development of relations.

During his meeting in Beijing with Lin Xiadon, Vice President of China Energy International Group Co., Ltd. and Chairman of China Energy Overseas Investment Co.,Ltd., the integration of renewable energy capacities in additional volumes into the energy system of Azerbaijan, the implementation of wind energy projects in the Caspian Sea, the organization of local production of renewable energy equipment and partnership with the company on green energy corridors were discussed. The status of implementation of the construction of 60 MW and 100 MW solar power plants in Fuzuli region and the possibilities of connection to the grid were assessed, and the importance of signing the implementation agreement soon was noted. It was also proposed that the company be an integral part of the process of creating a Research and Development Center in the field of renewable energy. It was agreed with China Energy to establish a Working Group to promote solar energy and offshore wind energy projects, to start cooperation in priority areas, and the intention to sign a Memorandum of Understanding covering all these issues was expressed. Vice-President of China Energy said that they intend to expand investments in wind and solar energy projects in Azerbaijan. The company expressed support for cooperation in the production of wind turbines and some of their components in Azerbaijan, as well as the research center. During the conversation, issues related to cooperation within the framework of Energy Day at COP29 were also touched upon.

At the meeting with Zou Lei, Chairman of the Board of China Datang Corporation Limited, Azerbaijan's participation in important projects in the energy and transport sectors as an active participant in the One Belt, One Road Initiative, the important role of energy cooperation in the development of bilateral relations and the importance of partnership with Chinese companies in expanding our country's mission as a reliable energy supplier with green energy was discussed. It was noted that Azerbaijan is initiating green energy corridors through the Caspian Sea for the export of green energy to Europe and cooperates with European countries, Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in this direction. China, on the other hand, can play an active role in these projects as an investor, a technology provider. It was also noted that the Declaration on strategic partnership between the two countries encourages both sides to strengthen energy cooperation in solving global climate change problems. Noting that China Datang has experience in managing carbon footprint not only in the country, but also outside of China, the company official said that they are ready to contribute to energy transformation.

At the meeting, investment cooperation opportunities on SPPs, onshore and offshore wind power plants, energy storage and green hydrogen production projects were discussed with China Datang, which has extensive opportunities in the field of planning, design, construction, operation and financing of renewable energy projects. It was agreed to sign the relevant cooperation document with the company in the near future, as well as to establish the Institute of electricity planning and engineering in Azerbaijan.

The Minister of Energy also met with Kai Song, President of Public Relations of Huawei. The cooperation opportunities in the energy sector between Azerbaijan and Huawei were discussed at the meeting. Within this cooperation, the technological potential of Huawei and its experience in the field of digital energy combined with the green energy projects of Azerbaijan made a speech about the energy transition and possible contributions to energy security. It was noted that Huawei has rich experience in solar energy (PV), digital energy, smart grid infrastructure and technological solutions for the development of energy projects. Azerbaijan plans to implement green energy corridors and fiber-optic cable projects between Europe and Asia. Within these opportunities, Huawei can cooperate with the company on the development of a data center based on green energy.