Hosting COP29, Azerbaijan Seeks to Balance Energy Goals With Complex Ties
Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29 in Baku brings together nearly 200 nations as the South Caucasus country aims to position itself as a leader in renewable energy despite its heavy dependence on fossil fuels. Reporter Jacob Wirtschafter notes that Azerbaijan faces the challenge of balancing its green ambitions with complex regional alliances involving countries like Israel, Russia, and Iran. The summit unfolds as global temperatures rise and geopolitical tensions, including the Ukraine conflict, impact energy dynamics.
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Azerbaijan has launched initiatives with Gulf states, including projects with Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and the UAE’s Masdar, to diversify its energy mix. While these efforts seek to free up natural gas for European export, energy expert Rauf Mammadov suggests Azerbaijan’s focus remains on traditional energy security rather than a full-scale shift to renewables.
Wirtschafter underscores the geopolitical complexity, highlighting Azerbaijan’s key alliances with Israel, Gulf states, and Russia as it seeks to strengthen its renewable energy profile while navigating longstanding regional tensions.
