Category: News
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Address of His Excellency President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of 10th anniversary of Caspian Energy Journal

  • vezife: Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear journalists,

I would like to congratulate you and your numerous readers on the 10th anniversary of Caspian Energy Journal.

Amidst media sources narrating about processes of dynamical development across the country, Caspian Energy Journal has gained a peculiar niche in terns of topics covered and geography of the journal.

The policy on strategic development initiated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev is now continued in the Republic of Azerbaijan. This policy is contributing much to the social and economic life of the country. The start of implementation of the oil strategy goes back to 1994 when the Contract of the Century was singed. Once launched, this strategy did much to speed up the progress in Azerbaijan, ensure energy security, turn the non-oil sector to the path of stable development and improve the image of Azerbaijan the international arena. Azerbaijan was one of the initiators and active participants of the process aiming at creation of regional and global energy security and now has become the center of implementation of transnational projects. Commissioning of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Crude Oil Pipeline and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum Gas Line, the biggest projects of the century, has strengthened geopolitical and economic positions of our country. Azerbaijan successfully performed the goals on diversification of energy resources transportation resources and is now performing a major role in ensuring energy security of both the region and Europe.

Our achievements are widely covered by foremost Azerbaijani and global media sources, including Caspian Energy Journal that particularly narrates about the valuable contribution of our country to regional security and cooperation. Journal’s professional and fair materials in the field of global energy projects and economic topics have made Caspian Energy Journal a reliable source of information and attracted many readers both in Azerbaijan and abroad.

The growing significance of Azerbaijan in implementation of international energy projects actualizes expansion of such editions as Caspian Energy International Journal. I do believe that your journal will be strengthening its achievements gained over 10 years of its activity and apply more efforts to spread fair and full information about the role of our country in transnational projects across our region.

Once again I would like to congratulate the journal team and wish you new successes in creative work.

Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Category: News
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Biomethane Production – “Pros” and “Cons”

  • Rubrika: SPOTLIGHT
A large-scale investment project for the construction of a network of biogas plants with a total value of more than 20 billion tenge is planned to be implemented in Kazakhstan. This was reported to tengrinews.kz by Erik Yakubaev, a representative of ZOR-Biogas LLP.
Kazakhstan plans to establish infrastructure for the deep processing of organic waste — from the agro-industrial sector, the food industry, and municipal solid waste — by building a nationwide network of high-tech biogas plants.
Three regions have been selected for the implementation of the pilot project: Akmola, Almaty, and Turkestan regions.
The transition to biomethane (renewable natural gas) is a key trend in the global biogas market, involving the conversion of raw biogas into biomethane. By removing carbon dioxide and impurities, producers create a fuel that is chemically identical to natural gas.
According to the IEA’s summer 2025 report, global production of biogas and biomethane approached 50 billion cubic meters in 2023. Europe, as the world’s largest producer, accounted for nearly 50% of total output, followed by China, the United States, and India, ranking second, third, and fourth respectively. Despite this significant production volume, its share in the global energy system remains relatively low.
In 2023, the global biogas production base was still relatively small, amounting to only about 10 billion cubic meters, which is equivalent to 0.2% of natural gas demand. However, production is demonstrating rapid growth, with an average annual growth rate of around 20%.
Over a three-year period, the share of biogas and biomethane in the global energy balance had reportedly reached 5–10% by 2025, according to Yahoo Finance.
The global biogas market was valued at USD 171.19 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow from USD 178.88 billion in 2026 to USD 265.60 billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.49%. The European biogas market dominated in 2025, accounting for the largest share at 42.66%. 
 
 
Cons
Despite its enormous potential, the biogas industry faces numerous obstacles, primarily including higher production costs compared to traditional fuels; complex and lengthy licensing procedures (usually taking from 2 to 5 years, and sometimes up to 7 years); high feedstock logistics costs; a fragmented value chain; and the absence of unified technical standards.
In addition, major challenges include difficulties in project financing, ensuring stable feedstock supply, complicated negotiations over offtake agreements, and insufficient supporting infrastructure. From an environmental perspective, methane leakage remains a particularly critical risk. Leaks caused by improper management typically account for 2–5% of production capacity, potentially seriously undermining the greenhouse gas emission reduction benefits of biogas.
For example, in Tajikistan, the development of biogas energy is primarily linked to electricity shortages and vulnerability to climate change. The authorities have adopted a “green economy” strategy; however, in practice, biogas remains a localized solution. Attempts to introduce bioreactors with the support of international grants have not generated sustainable demand. Experts note that once donor funding ends, such projects often cease operations.
The main barriers include the high cost of equipment and technical limitations. Biogas plants cost between USD 5,000 and 17,000 and operate efficiently only within warm temperature ranges, thus failing to address winter energy deficits.
Nevertheless, studies confirm the practical benefits of the technology. Households with bioreactors reduce firewood consumption by 80–90%, save on gas expenses, and obtain organic fertilizers. The key problem remains the lack of accessible financing and a comprehensive regulatory framework. Without these conditions, biogas in Tajikistan remains merely a local solution rather than an integral part of the national energy system.
 
Pros
A growing trend is emerging in the use of biogas as a feedstock for biohydrogen production. Through steam methane reforming (SMR) of biomethane, enterprises are able to produce hydrogen while reducing their carbon footprint.
Rising consumer demand: Consumer preference for environmentally friendly energy solutions and the adoption of biogas technologies are driving innovation toward more sustainable and eco-safe practices.
Capture and utilization of bio-CO₂: During the biogas upgrading process, the producer avoids releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Instead, this high-purity bio-CO₂ is captured and used in the food industry, greenhouses, or as a feedstock for synthetic e-fuels. 
Expansion in heavy transport: Biogas is increasingly being adopted as a fuel solution and is gaining momentum as a standard energy source for heavy-duty trucks, maritime transport, and public transportation, contributing to the achievement of net-zero carbon emission targets.
Category: News
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Washington to host meeting of the Board of Peace today

  • Rubrika: SPOTLIGHT

At the invitation of the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, is on a working visit to the country to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, which will be held today in Washington.

According to APA, on February 18, the Head of State met in Washington with the Executive Director of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Elliot Brandt, and other members of AIPAC’s senior leadership. During the conversation, the visit of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee delegation to our country and their meetings with the Head of State were recalled with satisfaction
The role of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in deepening bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United States, as well as between Azerbaijan and Israel, was emphasized.
The meeting on February 19 will also be attended by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

Southeast Asia will be represented by the President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, and the leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam, To Lam. Pakistan will be the sole country representing South Asia, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in attendance.

The meeting will also be attended by the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, in an observer capacity for the EU. Furthermore, Italy, Cyprus, Greece, and Romania will also dispatch observers.

Pope Leo XIV declined the invitation to join the Board, noting that crisis situations across the globe should be resolved within the United Nations.

In total, the United States extended invitations to join the Board of Peace to 50 countries, of which 35 expressed interest. Meanwhile, a total of 26 have officially joined the organization as founding members, and at least 14 have declined the proposal.

Many have criticized the Board, noting that the American President seeks to replace the UN. It was initially assumed that the Board of Peace would focus exclusively on resolving the situation in the Gaza Strip; however, following the publication of the organization's charter, it became clear that the Board is prepared to engage in conflict resolution worldwide. Trump himself stated that the "Board of Peace will become the most significant international organization in history." Furthermore, the President emphasized that the organization intends to "present its bold vision to the civilians in Gaza and later, ultimately, far beyond Gaza — peace to the whole world!"

The creation of the Board of Peace was a component of the plan proposed by Trump to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip. Its formation was announced in January 2026. The founding ceremony of the Board of Peace took place on January 22 in Davos, Switzerland, as part of the World Economic Forum.


Previously, on February 10, 2026, in Baku, Azerbaijan and the United States officially signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement following a high-level visit, during which a meeting was held between President Ilham Aliyev and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace, was preceded by several hours of bilateral and expanded negotiations on regional security, energy, technological cooperation, and long-term economic prospects.

From the very beginning of the negotiations, both sides expressed a clear desire to build their relationship on a sustainable and institutional basis. The agreement provides for the establishment of a regular strategic dialogue between the respective ministries, featuring specialized monitoring mechanisms. In the sphere of security, discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the protection of energy infrastructure, counter-terrorism, and regional stability in the South Caucasus. 

In 2025, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and the United States amounted to approximately $1.6 billion, accounting for 3.15% of the total foreign trade turnover of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Category: News
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Renewable energy projects — from Central Asia to Northern Europe — are taking shape

  • Rubrika: SPOTLIGHT
 
 
"Many of our oil contracts have been successfully implemented for years, and not a single paragraph, clause, or even a single word has been or will be changed in the adopted decisions and contracts. This is a crucial factor for attracting foreign investors to our country because Azerbaijan is a reliable state," declared President Ilham Aliyev in the summer of 2025 at the official opening ceremony of the Khizi-Absheron wind power plant. "Our word is as valuable and legally binding as our signature."
Therefore, the development of renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan is carried out within the framework of large-scale projects implemented by foreign investors. Hundreds of millions of dollars have already been invested in these projects. Currently, three more projects are underway—two solar and one wind power plant. Azerbaijan has also held its first competitive auction for the construction of a 100 MW solar power plant, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
In 2025, Azerbaijan's total installed electricity generation capacity reached 9,732.5 MW, an increase of 1,317 MW (15.6%) compared to the same period last year. The capacity of power plants operating on renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric power plants, is 1,829.6 MW, which is approximately 18.8 percent of the total installed capacity. Since the commissioning of the 230 MW Garadagh Solar Power Plant, solar electricity production has increased nearly tenfold. During this period, the plant's generation of 1 billion kWh confirms it is operating at full capacity. These figures are reflected in an article by Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, dedicated to Power Engineers' Day on October 20, titled "Azerbaijan is becoming a regional energy hub."
 
Simultaneously, as noted by the minister, necessary work is underway in preparation for the phased start of exporting 4 GW out of a planned 6 GW+ starting in 2032 through the "Caspian–Black Sea–Europe Green Energy Corridor." The current status of the "Azerbaijan–Türkiye–Europe," "Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor," and "Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye–Bulgaria Green Energy Corridor" projects is also highlighted. It is noted that various corridors and interconnectors will be interconnected in the future, allowing Azerbaijan to take a leading position in the export and transit of renewable energy across a vast territory from Central Asia to Europe. To implement the project based on the "Agreement on Strategic Partnership between the governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of green energy development and transmission," the "Green Corridor Alliance"—a Joint Venture—has been created, and a feasibility study is being developed with the support of the ADB and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
 
Interestingly, such projects are being initiated with increasing frequency; for instance, the German government has officially announced its support for the "Atlantic Power" project, which aims to transport renewable energy from Morocco to Germany via a 4,800-kilometer subsea cable.
This project is viewed as a strategic step toward strengthening the energy partnership between Morocco and Europe and revives former ambitions for continental power integration following the failure of similar projects over the last two decades, as reported by the Moroccan website "Al-Amq."
 
The "Atlantic Power" project is based on the construction of solar and wind power plants in Morocco with a total capacity of up to 15 gigawatts, which will allow for the export of approximately 26 terawatt-hours of electricity per year—equivalent to about 5% of Germany's total electricity consumption.
 
Electricity will be transmitted via a high-voltage subsea cable laid along the European coast through Portugal, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands before reaching Germany. For this purpose, a battery-based energy storage system will be used, providing over 20 hours a day of continuous clean electricity supply, which will increase grid flexibility and its ability to meet peak loads. Estimates suggest the investments required for the project's implementation will range from 30 to 40 billion euros, making it one of the largest renewable energy projects in Europe in terms of both cost and strategic impact. Despite its cumbersome nature from a commercial standpoint, geographic integrity and complementarity will ultimately be able to reduce production costs on a long-term basis, offset the investments made, and lead the projects to a high degree of profitability.

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