Azerbaijan's ambitions in green energy are impressive, in Europe renewable energy is mainly perceived in two closely intertwined dimensions - sustainability of energy sector and energy security, having an aligned and reliable partner represents a strategic interest.
This was stated by Deputy Director General of the Energy Section of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, Petr Binhak, in an interview with Report.
Petr Binhak said:
"However, partnership between the EU and whole Caspian region can go beyond that in the future as we see signals from Central Asian countries intention to establish their own value chains, which the EU industry is interested in. Caspian region has a role in this transformation. The Czech Republic positively assesses Azerbaijan's ambition to significantly increase the share of renewable energy and diversify its energy mix. The objective of adding 6.5 GW of new renewable capacity by 2030, across solar, wind and hydropower projects, demonstrates a clear strategic commitment to green transformation. Given Azerbaijan's strong natural conditions, particularly in solar and offshore wind, this ambition is both credible and promising.
From a European perspective, renewable energy is closely linked to both sustainability and long-term energy security. In this regard, initiatives such as the Green Energy Corridor, aiming to connect Central Asia through the South Caucasus and Türkiye to the EU electricity market, are followed with interest. Strengthening regional electricity interconnections and integration with European transmission networks could, in the long term, contribute to greater system resilience and diversification.
We see significant potential for practical cooperation. Czech companies are ready to contribute in areas such as engineering services, high-quality equipment manufacturing, hydropower components including turbines, grid modernization, smart energy systems and energy storage solutions. We are also open to sharing our experience in renewable technologies, bioenergy, waste-to-energy solutions and hydrogen value chains.
All the elements stated above have their role and form one larger whole – securing safe, affordable and sustainable energy for consumers, thus ensuring competitive industry and therefore ultimately a prosperous economy. Given the geographical location of the Czech Republic, it can play a role as a hydrogen crossroad in the EU and while there is long industrial history in the country, low carbon and green hydrogen is a way how to transform domestic industrial sector. Beyond hydrocarbons, the Czech Republic considers renewable energy and modern technologies among the most promising areas of bilateral cooperation. We have also emphasised the important role of Azerbaijan in global energy security as a reliable partner in the diversification of gas and oil supplies to the European Union.
Czech companies offer extensive expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency improvements, as well as the adoption of smart, clean technologies. By sharing their advanced knowledge and innovative solutions, they can help Azerbaijan to expand its renewable energy capacity, modernise its infrastructure, and contribute to long-term energy sustainability and security.
The Czech Republic supports projects that contribute to the diversification of energy supplies and strengthening international energy connectivity. We see initiatives like the Azerbaijan–Türkiye interconnector project in a wider context, not only in terms of potential electricity flows, but also as an initiative that may create opportunities for technological cooperation and industrial involvement. Czech companies have long-standing expertise in power engineering, including high-voltage equipment, substations, and grid technologies, and they continue to follow developments in this field with interest. Where relevant, Czech companies stand ready to share their experience, expertise, and international know-how, laying the foundation for long-term, sustainable partnerships".
