"We also see significant opportunities for collaboration in regional interconnection initiatives, including the “green corridor,” which can enhance regional energy security and enable the export of clean energy to wider markets," Nasser Al-Qahtani, Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said at the official opening ceremony of the 240 MW "Khizi-Absheron" Wind Power Plant, constructed by Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power.
Addressing the event, Nasser Al-Qahtani, Assistant Minister of Energy for Electricity Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said:
- Your Excellency, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev,
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
It is an honor to be with you today, in the presence of His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, to inaugurate the “Khizi-Absheron” Wind Power Plant.
This flagship renewable energy project reflects the strength and depth of the partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. The Kingdom views this partnership as a long-term strategic relationship, particularly in the field of energy. Our cooperation extends well beyond individual projects toward broader, system-level collaboration. Existing framework agreements outline a long-term development pathway for additional wind capacity, including both onshore and offshore projects, supported by battery energy storage systems to enhance grid flexibility and resilience. This demonstrates our shared commitment to forward planning and the development of resilient energy systems. Beyond power generation, our cooperation also covers electricity transmission, grid integration, and capacity building. The Kingdom is working closely with Azerbaijan to exchange expertise in system planning, renewable energy integration, and transmission development.
We also see significant opportunities for collaboration in regional interconnection initiatives, including the “green corridor,” which can enhance regional energy security and enable the export of clean energy to wider markets.
We also welcome the progress made on future initiatives, including plans for a 200-megawatt wind expansion project with integrated battery storage, as well as the ongoing assessment of offshore wind potential in the Caspian Sea, in cooperation with regional and international partners. These initiatives reflect our shared ambition to position Azerbaijan as a regional hub for clean energy, supported by strong partnerships and robust technical foundations.
Your Excellency, the “Khizi-Absheron” Wind Power Plant sends a clear message that Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan are partners not only in delivering today’s energy projects but also in shaping the future of sustainable energy systems. It embodies mutual trust, strong institutions, and a shared commitment to economic development, energy security, and environmental responsibility.
On behalf of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to our partners, and to all those who have contributed to the success of this project. We look forward to continuing this cooperation and advancing our partnership to even greater levels in the years ahead. Thank you.
