Azerbaijan sustainability and climate resilience initiatives

Azerbaijan is implementing various national initiatives focused on sustainability and climate resilience across the energy and agricultural sectors.

In the energy sector, the country is advancing renewable energy and hydrogen strategies. The Qobustan Solar Power Plant is prepared for commissioning following successful grid testing. Efforts to expand solar capacity include plans to connect the Bilasuvar Solar Power Plant to the electricity grid by the end of the year. Additionally, an action plan for a National Hydrogen Strategy is being developed with European Union support. To assess wind energy potential, measurement work is underway across 111.4 square kilometers in the Caspian Sea, with ongoing wind measurements in the Kalbajar and Lachin districts indicating significant potential. Efforts to manage emissions include bp’s transition to a multi-level monitoring system to maintain near-zero methane intensity.

In agriculture, the Agrarian Subsidy Council has approved new mechanisms to promote sustainability and combat climate change, water scarcity, and soil salinization. These subsidies prioritize modern irrigation techniques for crops such as wheat and potatoes, as well as high-tech greenhouse production. To support agricultural resilience, the government plans to expand its meteorological station network from 151 to 181 stations. This expansion aims to provide more accurate weather forecasts and data for AI-driven applications, including irrigation management, pest risk assessment, and crop health monitoring. The government is also providing targeted support for export-oriented crops and the development of boutique winemaking, aiming to establish 20 new boutique wineries by 2030.