Baku: President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan inaugurated the 30th Anniversary Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition, 13th Caspian International Power and Green Energy Exhibition, and the 30th Baku Energy Forum at the Baku Expo Center. These events marked the commencement of Baku Energy Week, a significant gathering in the energy sector, attracting global attention.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the event reflected Azerbaijan’s pivotal status in the international energy landscape. The Baku Energy Week brought together 267 companies from 39 countries, demonstrating robust international interest in Azerbaijan’s energy resources. President Aliyev, in his address, emphasized the transformation of Azerbaijan’s energy strategy since the 1994 Contract of the Century, which propelled the country onto the global energy stage.
President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s achievements, including its stable political environment and growing economy, with oil and gas contributing over 30% to its GDP. He detailed plans to increase natural gas exports to 12 countries and expand renewable energy capacity to 6.5 gigawatts by 2030. This green agenda aims to cover more than 35% of Azerbaijan’s energy grid, underscoring the nation’s commitment to sustainable development.
The event also featured speeches from international dignitaries, including Thomas Hurd of ICA Events Group, Wyatt Toehlke from the U.S. Department of State, and Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkey’s Minister of Energy. They lauded Azerbaijan’s role in regional energy security and its strategic partnerships, such as the Southern Gas Corridor and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
Cristina Lobillo Borrero from the European Commission and Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, acknowledged Azerbaijan’s contributions to global energy security and its leadership in the energy transition. They underscored the importance of investment in both fossil fuels and renewable resources to meet future energy demands.
The Baku Energy Week, evolving from the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition initiated by Heydar Aliyev, showcases Azerbaijan’s advancements in energy diplomacy and strategic partnerships. The event continues to foster international dialogue and cooperation, positioning Azerbaijan as a reliable partner in the global energy market.