Azerbaijan holds a leading position in hydrogen development across the South Caucasus and Central Asia, according to Niccolò Heilpern, Vice President for Central Asia, Caspian and Türkiye Region at MAIRE.
Speaking at the "Green Energy Week 2025: Azerbaijan and Central Asia" event in Baku, Heilpern emphasized that hydrogen diplomacy differs from traditional politics.
"For us, hydrogen diplomacy is about connecting industry, consumers, and public institutions - like Azerbaijan's renewable energy zones - to create value. This value must stay in the country, benefiting both the state and the people, while also bringing returns to our shareholders," he said.
He highlighted that true success in decarbonization - not only through hydrogen - requires strong partnerships, investment, coordination, and a unified platform across the value chain.
Heilpern praised Azerbaijan's progress, noting it is the only country in the region to publish a national "Hydrogen White Paper" in 2025, based on the "Azerbaijan 2030" strategy. This, he said, proves Azerbaijan's leadership in the sector.
He also pointed to the green corridor agreement signed at COP29 between Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, aimed at connecting the region to Europe, as evidence of strategic vision and regional leadership.
