Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization, energy security challenges, and climate change, “green” and “smart cities” have become not only a development model, but also the main driving force of the global energy transition, Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said during the event titled “D-8 High-Level Energy and Urban Dialogue” organized within the framework of WUF13, APA reports.
“As countries that have chosen green development as a priority, we possess rapidly growing cities and significant renewable energy potential. Realizing this potential requires stronger alignment between energy transition and urban development, green investments, and innovation.
Azerbaijan is advancing the green energy agenda as a strategic priority. We are implementing large-scale renewable energy and cross-border energy corridor projects, creating green energy zones, increasing energy efficiency, and modernizing our electricity grid,” the minister noted.
According to him, solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 2 gigawatts will be commissioned in the country next year, which will prevent approximately 2.4 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually.
“Under the leadership and initiative of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, extensive green energy infrastructure is being developed in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur based on the concepts of a ‘green energy zone’ and ‘smart city.’ In cities, solar panels, energy-efficient solutions, and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles are being widely implemented in harmony with coastal areas, water resources, and green development principles,” the minister emphasized.
He noted that in two weeks Azerbaijan will host the first meeting of energy ministers of D-8 member states in Baku. During the meeting, Azerbaijan’s Energy Minister will present the Charter of the D-8 Climate and Energy Center. Headquartered in Azerbaijan, this center will serve as a regional platform for sustainable energy projects among D-8 member states and will function as a catalyst for renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other climate-resilient initiatives.
“Through integrated planning, we can accelerate the energy transition while at the same time transforming our cities into more resilient, sustainable, and livable places,” the minister added.
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