Azerbaija achieved a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey by concluding its inaugural renewable energy auction. Backed by the EBRD, Azerbaijan’s first renewable energy auction results were announced at COP29 in Baku, marking a milestone.
The Ministry of Energy led the auction, with Universal International Holding Limited winning with a bid of $0.0354 per kWh. The company will now develop a 100 MW solar power plant in the Garadagh region, advancing Azerbaijan’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Parviz Shahbazov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy said, “This auction represents a major milestone in Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sector. The selection of Universal International Holdings Limited underscores the increasing interest and confidence of international investors in Azerbaijan’s green energy initiatives.”
He added, “Organised with the support of the EBRD and announced during COP29, this auction highlights Azerbaijan’s dedication to international cooperation, sustainable development goals, and unlocking its green energy potential. This achievement will accelerate our energy transition efforts while enhancing our contribution to global climate objectives.”
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EBRD’s Decisive Role in Azerbaijan’s Energy Transition
For years, the EBRD has supported Azerbaijan’s energy transition through financing, technical expertise, and policy dialogue, driving sustainable development. Alkis Vryenios Drakinos, EBRD’s Regional Head for the Caucasus, praised the auction as a “game-changing success.” He added, “This is a great way to wrap up the EBRD’s work at COP29 in Baku. Having surpassed one gigawatt mark in financed green energy and following our consistent policy engagement with the authorities, our assistance with renewables auctions in Azerbaijan has today produced game-changing success”
Additionally, the EBRD co-financed Azerbaijan’s first utility-scale solar plant in 2022 and first utility-scale wind plant in 2023. Recently, at COP29, financing agreements were signed for two of the region’s largest solar plants in Bilasuvar and Neftchala.
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Policy Reforms to Attract Private Climate Finance
Beyond financing, the EBRD has supported Azerbaijan’s policy reforms. This includes enhancing the electricity grid, establishing a low-carbon pathway for the energy sector, and developing a national hydrogen strategy. These efforts aim to attract further private climate finance to Azerbaijan.
More broadly, the EBRD’s Renewable Energy Programme spans 18 countries. It assists in renewable energy auctions totaling nearly 5 GW in Albania, Bulgaria, and Kazakhstan. With 3.5 GW of auctions planned in Azerbaijan and other nations, the EBRD continues to advance renewable energy in the region.