15:21 - 3.10.2025

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October 3, Fineko/abc.az. Baku is committed to a balanced energy strategy that includes traditional fuels, ABC.AZ reports, quoting Deputy Minister of Energy Orkhan Zeynalov, as saying this at the KAZENERGY forum in Astana.

"Traditional energy remains extremely important. Last year, Azerbaijan produced 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Natural gas is the most important transitional fuel in the energy transition process, and more than 25 billion cubic meters have been exported, including 13 billion cubic meters to Europe," Zeynalov said.

He highlighted the recent expansion of gas exports to Syria thanks to the partnership between SOCAR and Turkey's Botash. "Gas supplied to Syria for future electricity generation will open up additional opportunities in the Middle East," he added.

Zeynalov underlined the need to support investments in the traditional energy sector in parallel with the transition to new energy.

"In some regions, some international financial institutions are opposed to investments in traditional energy, which may hinder sustainable development and energy security," he said.

The deputy minister also pointed to the continued demand for Azerbaijani gas outside the Southern Gas Corridor.

"Just today, we have received requests from a number of countries for additional natural gas supplies of up to 14 bcm. This shows that investments in gas production are still necessary," Zeynalov stressed.

He also stressed the importance of regional cooperation.

"I am very pleased that SOCAR, KazMunaiGas and our teams have recently held productive talks. Ensuring sustainable transit of energy resources from Kazakhstan and Central Asia through the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan is of great importance," he added.