Azerbaijan Launches Clean Energy Centre to Boost Regional Green Initiatives

Azerbaijan has officially launched the Clean Energy Centre for the ECO region (CECECO), a strategic initiative aimed at advancing renewable energy projects, fostering regional energy cooperation, and supporting a fair energy transition across member states.

The Centre, established in Azerbaijan in collaboration with the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) within the framework of COP29, officially launched in November last year, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov highlighted that the establishment of CECECO is underscored in the final document of the 17th ECO Summit - the Khankendi Communiqué. The Centre aims to advance renewable energy projects and support the energy transition in the region by enhancing existing and potential energy partnerships among member states. “Currently, we are cooperating with Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to develop green energy corridors. The Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe and Central Asia-Azerbaijan corridors are strategic initiatives designed to strengthen regional energy relations and electricity markets. These projects will enhance energy cooperation within the ECO region, link regional networks, and create a unified platform for emission reduction,” Shahbazov added. He also emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment as the host country to support the Centre’s work, which will contribute to national, regional, and ECO-wide goals for a fair energy transition.

ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for hosting CECECO, noting that its launch reflects the country’s proactive role in promoting regional cooperation and advancing the carbon emission reduction agenda. “We are confident that the Centre will become a key component of the global network of regional sustainable energy hubs,” he said.

Representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Pakistan, and UNIDO participated in the meeting, confirming their commitment to actively support the Centre’s activities and the implementation of the green energy agenda in line with global trends.

During the session, the Centre’s Internal Rules were approved, and Aysel Yagubova was appointed as Executive Director. The Board of Directors also decided that its second meeting will take place in the first half of 2026.