Central Asia – Azerbaijan green energy corridor project gains momentum – Qazinform

Regional Energy Corridor Project: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Event Overview

Experts and representatives from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and other stakeholders convened to discuss a significant regional energy corridor project. This initiative aims to connect the Caspian and Black Sea regions, facilitating the transfer of clean and renewable energy from Central Asia to European markets.

Key Contributions from Participating Countries

1. Azerbaijan

   Deputy Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Orkhan Zeynalov, highlighted the project as a promising initiative that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. The corridor is expected to enhance regional energy connectivity and promote the use of renewable energy sources.

2. Kazakhstan

   Vice-Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan, Sanzhar Zharkeshov, outlined the country’s target to increase total energy production capacity to 26 GW by 2030, with 30-35% derived from renewable energy. This commitment supports SDG 7 and SDG 13: Climate Action, emphasizing Kazakhstan’s abundant energy resources and its intention to export clean energy to Europe through the corridor.

3. Uzbekistan

   Deputy Chairman of the Board of the National Electricity Networks of Uzbekistan JSC, Feruz Kurbanov, reported significant investments in key energy infrastructure. Uzbekistan aims to expand electricity capacity by 2030 to integrate with the regional network and export clean energy to Europe, contributing to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 7.

Project Development and Collaboration

• The feasibility study for the corridor is being developed in partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
• A Memorandum of Understanding signed in April 2025 underpins this collaboration.
• Participants have agreed on key technical aspects to finalize the current feasibility study report and prepare for subsequent project phases.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): The project promotes the generation and transfer of renewable energy, increasing access to clean energy sources.
• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Investments in energy infrastructure enhance regional connectivity and innovation.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Exporting clean energy supports global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The collaboration between multiple countries and international financial institutions exemplifies effective partnerships.

Additional Regional Developments

In related news, Uzbekistani youth have initiated the development of the first scientific satellite in Japan, demonstrating the region’s commitment to innovation and sustainable technological advancement.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the development of a corridor to transfer clean, renewable energy from Central Asia to European markets.
   • It highlights efforts by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to increase renewable energy production and infrastructure.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The focus on building energy infrastructure and conducting feasibility studies involves innovation and infrastructure development.
   • Collaboration with Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank supports industrial and infrastructural growth.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Promoting renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels contribute to climate change mitigation.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article mentions international cooperation among countries and financial institutions to realize the energy corridor project.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 7 Targets
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix by 2030.
   • Target 7.a: Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
   • Target 9.b: Support domestic technology development and research.
3. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. For SDG 7
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption (implied by the goal to have 30-35% renewable energy production capacity in Kazakhstan by 2030).
   • Indicator 7.a.1: International financial flows to developing countries in support of clean energy research and development (implied through cooperation with Asian Development Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank).
2. For SDG 9
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road (implied by infrastructure development to connect energy networks).
   • Indicator 9.b.1: Proportion of medium and high-tech industry value added in total value added (implied through investments in energy infrastructure and technology).
3. For SDG 13
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year (implied by the shift towards renewable energy reducing emissions).
4. For SDG 17
   • Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks (implied by the cooperation and memorandum of understanding).
   • Indicator 17.17.1: Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private partnerships (implied by partnerships with banks and governments).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: qazinform.com