Azerbaijan, a country known for its oil and gas reserves, is undergoing a significant transformation, positioning itself as a leader in green energy. The country’s ambitious plans to develop renewable energy sources, particularly hydropower, have become a focal point in its efforts to build a greener future, particularly in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. This region, which has been the epicenter of a decades-long conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, is now at the heart of Azerbaijan’s green energy strategy.
Following its victory in the 2020 war with Armenia, Azerbaijan has invested heavily in building new hydropower plants and reconstructing those damaged during the conflict. The country has allocated over $2.3 billion to a program aimed at resettlement of Azeris in Nagorno-Karabakh, with a significant portion going towards hydropower development. The government, led by President Ilham Aliyev, envisions Nagorno-Karabakh as a “green energy zone”, with plans for a vast network of hydro, solar, and wind power plants. This green energy push, however, is intertwined with Azerbaijan’s ambition to establish its control over the region and its desire to secure its position as a reliable energy supplier to the European Union.
Azerbaijan’s green energy agenda in Nagorno-Karabakh is not without its critics. Environmental concerns have been raised about the potential impact of large-scale hydropower projects on the fragile mountain ecosystems. Experts warn that the rapid development of hydropower plants, without proper environmental impact assessments, could lead to long-term consequences for water supply and biodiversity. This concern echoes the protests that arose in the region before the 2020 conflict, when residents, alarmed by the potential environmental damage, protested the development of new hydropower plants.
Despite these concerns, Azerbaijan’s plans for green energy development in Nagorno-Karabakh are moving forward rapidly. The country is seeking to leverage its green energy ambitions to solidify its control over the region and to secure its place as a critical energy partner for the European Union. This ambition is further evidenced by Azerbaijan’s hosting of the upcoming COP29 climate conference, an event that will bring increased international scrutiny to the country’s environmental policies and its overall commitment to sustainable development.
The political and environmental dynamics surrounding Azerbaijan’s green energy push in Nagorno-Karabakh are complex and interwoven. The region, still bearing the scars of conflict, serves as a testing ground for Azerbaijan’s ambitions to build a greener future. However, the rapid pace of development, alongside concerns about environmental impact, begs the question: will Azerbaijan’s green energy agenda truly benefit the region or will it exacerbate existing tensions? The answers to these questions will likely shape the future of Nagorno-Karabakh and the wider geopolitical landscape.
