Green corridors to unite ECO region for emission cuts

Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe and Central Asia-Azerbaijan green energy corridors will create a unified strategic platform to achieve emission reductions in the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) region, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov stated, Report informs, referring to the ministry.

He made the remark at the first online meeting of the Board of Directors of the ECO Clean Energy Center (CECECO)

Shahbazov mentioned that the importance of launching the Clean Energy Center is also highlighted in the final document of the 17th ECO Summit – the Khankandi Communiqué:

"It will support the development of renewable energy projects and energy transition in the region by strengthening existing and potential energy partnerships between the central organization and member states."

The minister also pointed out that Azerbaijan is currently cooperating with three ECO members – Türkiye, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on creating green energy corridors.

"Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe and Central Asia-Azerbaijan green energy corridors are strategic initiatives targeting the development of regional energy connections and the regional electricity market. These projects will strengthen energy cooperation in the ECO region, connect regional energy networks, and create a unified strategic platform to achieve emission reductions," he added.

Shahbazov further stated that as the host country, Azerbaijan is committed to supporting the center, believing it will contribute to national, regional, and ECO-wide goals for fair energy transition.

ECO Secretary General Asad M. Khan in turn, expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting the Clean Energy Center. He said that the efforts to launch the center are proof of Azerbaijan's determined and active role in advancing regional cooperation and the carbon emission reduction agenda. "We are confident that the Center will become a strong component of the global network of regional sustainable energy centers."

The meeting was attended by ECO members, such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Pakistan, as well as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It was highlighted that active participation and support will be provided in the center's activities for countries to implement their green energy agenda in line with global trends and in a coordinated manner.

During the meeting, the Internal Rules of the Center were approved, and Aysel Yagubova was appointed as the executive director of the Clean Energy Center. It was decided to hold the second meeting of the Board of Directors in the first half of 2026.