COP29 President: Sustainability and diversification are top priorities for Azerbaijan’s energy policy

Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues, addressed the ministerial session titled “Pathways for a Resilient Energy Landscape” during the 9th International Seminar of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Vienna, Austria.

In his remarks, Babayev emphasized the importance of sustainable energy systems and Azerbaijan’s contributions to global energy security. “We believe that energy must be sustainable, reliable, and accessible. To ensure energy security, each country must invest domestically or receive support from developed nations,” he said.

He noted that the diversification of energy sources is a top priority for Azerbaijan as the host country of COP29. Highlighting the potential of solar and wind energy, Babayev pointed out that these sources offer new opportunities for energy security.

“Financial assistance is crucial for investing in energy infrastructure and renewable energy projects in developing countries — especially in the least developed countries, small island developing states, and nations across Africa,” he added.

Babayev announced that a commitment to mobilize $300 billion in climate financing for developing nations was made during the COP29 Conference in Baku.

He also outlined Azerbaijan’s renewable energy and natural gas projects, noting that the country currently supplies natural gas to 12 countries, including 10 EU member states. “Nevertheless, renewables remain Azerbaijan’s top domestic priority. This will not only help Azerbaijan meet its own energy needs but also enable it to supply neighboring countries with clean energy,” Babayev concluded.