Green Energy: The Sustainable Source of the Future

The concept of green energy is rapidly gaining importance in today's world and is becoming a fundamental element of economies, governments, and international relations. This type of energy mainly includes environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources, and it plays a vital role globally in protecting the environment, combating climate change, and ensuring energy security. In Azerbaijan, long-term dependence on oil and gas exports has significantly influenced the country's economy; however, changes in the global energy market and the demands of sustainable development have made the development of alternative energy sources a necessity.

In Azerbaijan’s energy strategy, increased focus on green energy serves not only to meet environmental requirements but also to achieve goals such as economic diversification, expanding regional cooperation, and strengthening international reputation. In this context, green energy plays a crucial role both in domestic and international political and commercial relations. Especially against the backdrop of regional conflicts like Syria and concerns about energy security, the strategic importance of green energy continues to grow.

Green energy, unlike traditional fuels, is a type of energy derived from sustainable and renewable sources that do not harm nature. Sources such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal energy form the basis of green energy. These energy types minimize carbon emissions, prevent environmental pollution, and play a key role in the fight against climate change.

Solar energy is harnessed by converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic panels, and thanks to technological advancements in recent years, it has become more efficient and affordable. Wind energy allows the conversion of wind’s mechanical energy into electricity using wind turbines. Hydropower generates large volumes of energy by utilizing the force of flowing water. Biomass energy is produced by burning or processing natural organic materials, while geothermal energy uses the heat stored deep within the Earth.

The main advantages of these sources are their sustainability and low environmental impact. However, they also have limitations. For instance, solar and wind energy depend on weather conditions, and hydropower can have ecological impacts. These challenges are being addressed and optimized through technological solutions.

Azerbaijan’s economy has historically been based on oil and gas exports. Since the late 20th century, the country has seen significant developments in the oil industry, which became the driving force of the economy. However, in the 2020s, fluctuations in global oil prices and a drop in demand due to the pandemic had a negative impact on Azerbaijan’s oil exports.

Global initiatives to accelerate the transition to green energy and reduce carbon footprints have started to decrease demand for fossil fuels. This shift makes it necessary for oil-exporting countries like Azerbaijan to reconsider their energy strategies. The country is now focusing on new sectors, including green energy, to reduce its dependency on oil and diversify the economy.

Revenues from oil exports create potential for financing green energy projects. Additionally, retraining workers in the energy sector to adapt to new technologies and modernizing infrastructure are essential prerequisites for a successful transition to green energy.

In the past five years, Azerbaijan's oil production has remained relatively stable, averaging around 700,000 to 800,000 barrels per day annually. Production is maintained through the joint efforts of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) and foreign oil companies. Oil exports are mainly directed to Europe, Asia, and the Turkish markets. Despite the recession caused by the pandemic in 2020, global oil prices have increased in subsequent years, positively impacting Azerbaijan’s oil revenues. At the same time, the Azerbaijani government is taking steps to allocate oil revenues toward other sectors of the economy and to ensure diversification within the energy sector.

In 2024, SOCAR produced 5.8 million tons of oil, which reflects stability compared to previous years. More than 2.3 million tons of oil and petrochemical products produced at SOCAR's facilities were exported to foreign markets, with export volumes increasing by 2.8%. In the first half of 2024, Azerbaijan exported over 12 million tons of oil to 18 countries; major export destinations included Italy, the Czech Republic, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Greece. In the second quarter of the year, SOCAR exported around 4 million tons of oil to international markets, showing a slight increase compared to the previous period. Additionally, in 2024, the average export price of Azerbaijani oil was $94.73 per barrel, representing a significant increase compared to previous years.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan's oil sector has demonstrated stable development in terms of both production and export in recent years. The increase in export prices in 2024, in particular, has contributed to strengthening the economy. Moreover, the country continues to play a strategic role in delivering oil and gas to global markets through the Southern Gas Corridor and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. At the same time, efforts to redirect oil revenues toward other sectors of the economy and to diversify the energy sector lay the foundation for Azerbaijan’s sustainable development.

The country’s potential for wind and solar energy is particularly highly valued. For example, the coastal areas of the Caspian Sea and the Absheron Peninsula are suitable sites for wind energy, while solar energy is abundant across most parts of the country.

In recent years, a legislative framework has been established by the government to promote green energy projects, including the introduction of incentives and subsidies. These initiatives have increased the private sector’s interest in the green energy field. Several projects for the construction of wind power plants and solar panels are underway, and the sector is expected to expand in the future.

At the same time, hydroenergy potential is also being considered. Azerbaijan’s rivers and water resources play an important role in electricity production, and new technologies are being implemented to use water resources more efficiently. Although biomass and geothermal energy have not yet been fully developed in the country, scientific research and pilot projects are ongoing.

The development of green energy contributes economically by enhancing the country’s energy security and supporting economic diversification. Reducing dependence on the oil and gas sector helps prevent economic shocks and ensures sustainable economic growth.

In the political sphere, green energy is regarded as part of national security. Increasing energy independence and reducing reliance on foreign markets create flexibility in the country’s domestic and foreign policies. Simultaneously, green energy projects open new opportunities for international cooperation and attracting investments.

In the commercial sector, green energy increases export potential and facilitates Azerbaijan’s entry into the carbon credit market and compliance with international climate agreements. A favorable business environment is being formed in the country for the development of this sector, with local entrepreneurs adopting new technologies.

At the domestic level, the development of green energy infrastructure improves the socio-economic conditions of rural areas, creates new jobs, and helps protect the environment. Producing energy in an environmentally friendly manner improves health and quality of life.

Externally, Azerbaijan’s influence is manifested primarily through regional energy cooperation and international energy markets. By sharing its green energy potential with neighboring countries, Azerbaijan can strengthen regional integration and ensure the security of energy corridors. Moreover, leadership in green energy enhances the country’s diplomatic influence.

Azerbaijan has great potential for developing its green energy sector. The country’s strategic documents prioritize increasing the share of renewable energy sources. In the future, significant increases in solar and wind energy production capacity and the application of new technologies are planned.

Alongside this, support for education, research, and innovation in green energy, as well as the training of local specialists, is essential. Through joint efforts of the state and private sectors, the country’s green energy production and export opportunities will expand, and integration with other sectors of the economy will strengthen.

Regional conflicts, including the situation in Syria, play an important role in the context of energy security. The impact of conflicts on energy corridors and resources causes changes in countries’ energy policies. In this context, green energy can have a positive effect as an alternative and sustainable energy supply.

The destruction of energy infrastructure and gaps in energy supply related to the Syrian issue may accelerate green energy projects. This contributes to regional energy security and stability. Azerbaijan’s development in the green energy sector could serve as a positive example for regional peace and cooperation.

Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its position as a regional leader in energy. In recent years, alongside expanding oil and gas exports, the country has actively sought access to new markets. In this context, gas exports to Syria are considered a significant and strategic step in Azerbaijan’s energy policy.

Due to long-standing conflicts and political tensions, Syria has faced serious problems in its energy sector, making the external provision of gas and other energy needs necessary. Azerbaijan’s start of gas exports to Syria is important for expanding regional energy trade and strengthening energy security. This step symbolizes a new phase in Azerbaijan’s energy policy, both economically and politically.

Gas exports to Syria not only increase Azerbaijan’s energy revenues but also expand opportunities for investment and cooperation. This collaboration fosters the development of economic relations between the countries and enables the implementation of new energy projects. At the same time, it enhances Azerbaijan’s reputation as a gas producer and exporter.

Azerbaijan’s gas supply to Syria is important for diversifying energy sources and ensuring energy security in the region. Through this project, Azerbaijan’s energy resources become part of a reliable and sustainable supply chain over a broader geography. Thus, the energy supply for both regional countries and international markets is stabilized.

However, gas exports to Syria also involve certain challenges. Political and economic stability of the Syrian market, logistics, and infrastructure issues are key factors for the project’s successful implementation. Nevertheless, the Azerbaijani government is taking steps to overcome these difficulties and deepen cooperation in this area.

Azerbaijan’s initiative to export gas to Syria marks the beginning of a new phase in the country’s energy strategy. It not only strengthens Azerbaijan’s regional energy leadership position but also plays a significant role in regional stability and economic development. Azerbaijan is expected to further expand energy cooperation and investment projects in this direction in the future.

Green energy holds an important place as the future of the energy sector both globally and in Azerbaijan. Alongside its rich oil resources, Azerbaijan has potential in the green energy field, and the steps taken in this direction positively impact the country’s economic, political, and social development. The development of alternative energy sources not only ensures energy security but also strengthens the country’s international position and deepens regional cooperation. Against the background of regional issues such as Syria, green energy carries strategic importance, and Azerbaijan’s initiatives in this area could play a crucial role in both domestic and regional peace and development in the future.