A New Energy Bridge: Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan Unite for a Green Corridor to Europe

A New Era of Energy Cooperation: The Green Corridor Initiative

The Green Corridor Union LLC, officially registered in Baku, represents a groundbreaking effort to export surplus renewable electricity from Central Asia to Europe. This initiative is designed to leverage high-voltage transmission infrastructure to create a seamless link between the energy-rich regions of Central Asia and the European grid.

This project is more than just a technical endeavor; it signals a significant shift in geopolitical and economic strategies. It emphasizes interregional cooperation, sustainability, and energy diversification—themes that are increasingly important for European institutions and markets seeking cleaner alternatives.

From Vision to Reality

The roots of this ambitious project trace back to COP29 in Baku, where the leaders of three countries signed a declaration on strategic cooperation in green energy. Recently, the vision took shape as Uzbekistan’s National Electric Grids, Kazakhstan’s KEGOC, and Azerbaijan’s AzerEnergy signed the founding documents to establish Green Corridor Union LLC. The company is now led by Farhad Mammadov.

The corridor aims to connect solar and wind-rich areas in Central Asia to European energy grids through a complex network of transmission infrastructure. This includes crossing Kazakhstan, traversing beneath the Caspian Sea, passing through Azerbaijan and Georgia, and ultimately reaching Romania—a plan that would link the Caspian Basin to the heart of the European Union.

Azerbaijan: The Gateway to Europe

Azerbaijan is positioned as the final connector in the Green Corridor due to its growing renewable capacity and strategic access to the Black Sea. From its shores, power generated in Central Asia would cross the Black Sea via a proposed subsea cable toward Romania, forming what could become the first trans-Caspian green energy link to the EU.

Azerbaijan's Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov, emphasized the significance of this initiative. “The unification of our energy systems is both a strategic and historic step,” he said. “This initiative marks the beginning of the Caspian Green Energy Corridor—the first of its kind.”

Azerbaijan has already signed a memorandum of cooperation with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, with plans to finalize an Intergovernmental Agreement on Strategic Partnership in Green Energy during COP29. The country is currently conducting feasibility studies for laying a high-voltage cable under the Caspian Sea and through Georgia into Europe.

Azerbaijan’s energy capacity stands at 8.4 GW, with renewables accounting for over 21% of that figure. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, the country exported over 1.2 billion kWh of electricity. “This is about more than just power lines,” Shahbazov noted. “It’s about aligning our technologies, policies, and long-term ambitions together with Europe.”

Uzbekistan’s Investment Boom

Uzbekistan has made rapid progress in its green energy transformation. According to the Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, the country expects to produce more than 135 billion kWh of electricity by 2030, with 10-15 billion kWh available for export, much of it from solar and wind sources.

“In just one year, we tripled investment in green energy,” Mirzamakhmudov told Euronews. “In 2023, €1.2 billion in foreign direct investment was absorbed by the sector. By the end of 2024, we expect that figure to exceed €4.23 billion euros.”

These investments are not only expanding capacity but also reshaping the energy landscape of Uzbekistan. The country now has over 4.2 GW of renewable capacity online, with plans to reach 20 GW by 2030, which would account for 40% of total electricity generation. Solar and wind projects are being developed across nearly every region, from the deserts of Navoi to the steppes of Karakalpakstan.

Mirzamakhmudov highlighted that all projects are supported by a reliable legal framework, with the President personally monitoring their progress. Uzbekistan’s renewable output this year has already saved 1.3 billion cubic metres of gas and reduced emissions by 1.8 million tons of CO₂, demonstrating measurable progress toward its climate commitments.

Kazakhstan: From Transit to Transformation

For Kazakhstan, the Green Corridor represents a strategic investment in regional leadership and green growth. “This project is one of the most strategically important for our energy sector,” said Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy, Erlan Akkenzhenov. “It allows us to capitalize on our renewable potential and establish a sustainable export route for clean electricity to Europe.”

Kazakhstan’s role as a key transit hub will be supported by KEGOC, responsible for national grid operations. While financial commitments are still being negotiated, the country has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with partners and financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which are supporting the preparation of feasibility studies.

Akkenzhenov stated, “We don’t see insurmountable technical barriers.” He sees the project as a model for future cross-border energy cooperation, not just within Central Asia but between the region and Europe. “It’s a project of the future,” he added. “One that connects energy, environment, and economic opportunity.”

European Interest in the Corridor

As Europe strives for climate neutrality and energy security, initiatives like the Green Corridor are gaining attention. The proposed interconnection would not only boost supply diversification for Europe but also bring long-term geopolitical and economic benefits to both the EU and Central Asia.

The project aligns with the EU Green Deal objectives and the Global Gateway strategy, which aims to invest in sustainable infrastructure across partner regions. Talks are ongoing with European institutions, and all three countries have expressed interest in attracting European investors and developers to the initiative.

While the promise is bold, challenges remain. Undersea transmission cables require massive investment and advanced engineering. Political coordination, particularly over transit routes and regional tensions, must be navigated carefully. Financing the multi-billion-euro infrastructure will also require sustained international support.

Despite these hurdles, the foundation has been laid. The joint venture has been formed, feasibility studies are underway, and momentum is building. This initiative marks a new chapter in energy cooperation, paving the way for a more sustainable and interconnected future.