Baku, Beijing explore joint green energy research centre – PHOTO – Caliber.Az

Report on Azerbaijan-China Strategic Partnership for Green Energy Development

Introduction: Advancing Global Sustainability through Bilateral Cooperation

A comprehensive strategic partnership in the energy sector has been established between Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China, represented by the China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited (CEEC). This collaboration is centered on the development of green energy infrastructure and technology, directly supporting the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discussions between Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov, and CEEC Vice President, Lu Xu, have outlined a clear roadmap for joint initiatives aimed at fostering a sustainable energy future.

Direct Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The partnership’s objectives are intrinsically linked to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Key contributions include:

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The core focus on developing onshore/offshore wind and solar power, alongside hydropower, is a direct effort to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix and ensure access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): By investing heavily in clean energy projects and establishing a green energy corridor, the partnership takes urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts by significantly reducing potential carbon emissions.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The planned establishment of a Joint Research Centre for the Development of Green Energy and the modernization of transmission networks will build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): This bilateral agreement exemplifies a global partnership for sustainable development, mobilizing financial resources, technology, and expertise to support the achievement of the SDGs in developing countries.

Scope of Cooperation and Priority Projects

The strategic agreement, finalized during Baku Energy Week on June 3, outlines several priority projects designed to expand Azerbaijan’s clean energy capacity and modernise its energy systems. The cooperation encompasses the following key areas:

1. Research and Development: Establishment of a Joint Research Centre for the Development of Green Energy to pioneer new technologies and methodologies.
2. Renewable Energy Generation: Development of large-scale offshore and onshore wind and solar energy projects for both domestic use and export.
3. Infrastructure Development: Modernization and expansion of transmission networks to support the integration of renewable energy sources.
4. Equipment and Supply Chain: Provision of equipment for solar power plants with a projected total capacity of 760 MW.

Formalized Agreements and Future Commitments

The partnership is reinforced by a series of high-level agreements, including six key documents signed during the visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to China. These agreements formalize cooperation on a diverse portfolio of renewable energy initiatives:

• Construction of solar power plants with a total capacity of 260 MW.
• Development of a 100 MW floating solar power plant.
• Installation of a 30 MW battery energy storage system.
• Implementation of a 2 GW offshore wind energy project.
• Development of an additional 2 GW wind power project.
• Cooperation on the strategic planning of Azerbaijan’s electric power system to integrate renewable energy sources effectively.

These commitments, including the 160 MW Fuzuli solar farm and a 200 MW Caspian Sea wind farm, demonstrate a concrete action plan to transition towards a sustainable energy model in line with global climate and development goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights several issues that are directly connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The entire article focuses on the development of “green energy,” specifically “wind and solar power.” The cooperation between Azerbaijan and China is aimed at increasing the production and use of clean and renewable energy sources.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article discusses the construction of significant energy infrastructure, such as solar and wind farms (“160 MW Fuzuli solar farm,” “200 MW wind farm”), the “development of transmission networks,” and the establishment of a “Joint Research Centre for the Development of Green Energy.” This points to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The shift towards renewable energy sources like wind and solar is a fundamental strategy for combating climate change and its impacts. The projects mentioned are concrete actions to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to climate mitigation efforts.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article is centered on the “comprehensive strategic partnership in the energy sector” between Azerbaijan and China. It details agreements, meetings, and joint projects, which exemplifies the international cooperation needed to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Explanation: The article explicitly details numerous projects aimed at increasing renewable energy capacity, including “offshore and onshore wind and solar energy,” “solar power plants with a total capacity of 760 MW,” a “160 MW Fuzuli solar farm,” a “200 MW wind farm,” and additional projects totaling over 4 GW of wind and solar power.
2. Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology, including renewable energy, energy efficiency and advanced and cleaner fossil-fuel technology, and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.
   • Explanation: The partnership between Azerbaijan’s Energy Ministry and China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited, and the plan to establish a “Joint Research Centre for the Development of Green Energy,” are direct examples of international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
   • Explanation: The article mentions cooperation on projects to build new energy systems, including solar and wind farms and the “development of transmission networks,” which are crucial components of sustainable infrastructure.
4. Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
   • Explanation: The plan to create a “Joint Research Centre for the Development of Green Energy” is a direct initiative to enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities in the renewable energy sector.
5. Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms.
   • Explanation: The collaboration between Azerbaijan and China, formalized through a “comprehensive strategic partnership” and multiple agreements, is a clear example of South-South cooperation on technology and innovation in the green energy field.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several specific and quantifiable indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Total capacity of new renewable energy projects: The article provides specific figures for planned projects which can be aggregated to measure the increase in renewable energy capacity (Indicator for Target 7.2). These include:
  • 760 MW for solar power plants
  • 160 MW Fuzuli solar farm
  • 200 MW wind farm in the Caspian Sea
  • 260 MW from other solar power plants
  • 100 MW floating solar power plant
  • 2 GW offshore wind energy project
  • Another 2 GW wind power project
• Establishment of research and development facilities: The plan to create a “Joint Research Centre for the Development of Green Energy” serves as a qualitative and milestone-based indicator for progress in research and innovation cooperation (Indicator for Targets 7.a and 9.5).
• Number of international agreements: The article explicitly states that “6 documents on cooperation in the field of renewable energy were signed.” This number serves as a direct indicator of the formalization and strengthening of international partnerships (Indicator for Target 17.6).
• Formation of strategic partnerships: The finalization of an “agreement on a comprehensive strategic partnership in the energy sector” is a high-level indicator of commitment to long-term cooperation for sustainable development (Indicator for SDG 17).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: caliber.az