The Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan has entered into two agreements with Chinese companies to advance a 2 GW offshore wind project in the Caspian Sea. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with SOCAR Green, China Datang Overseas Investment, and PowerChina to collaborate on the development, design, financing, construction, and operation of the wind farm in Azerbaijan’s sector of the Caspian Sea. A separate executive agreement with China Energy Overseas Investment outlines phased development of the same offshore wind initiative.

These agreements focus on assessing and harnessing wind energy potential in the Caspian Sea. The collaboration includes joint efforts to evaluate, plan, and build a wind farm with a minimum capacity of 2 GW, to be implemented in stages. The partnerships aim to leverage technical expertise and resources to support Azerbaijan’s renewable energy goals.

During a visit to China, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev signed four additional documents related to renewable energy development, further strengthening the country’s commitment to sustainable energy projects. The Ministry of Energy stated: “Cooperation will be carried out to explore the potential of wind energy in the Caspian Sea.”

Azerbaijan’s Offshore Wind Roadmap, developed in 2022 with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), highlights the country’s potential to install 7 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040, supported by appropriate infrastructure, investment, and policies. The World Bank and ESMAP estimate Azerbaijan’s offshore wind potential at 157 GW, with 35 GW suitable for fixed-bottom projects and 122 GW for floating wind systems.

In November 2024, during COP29 in Baku, SOCAR signed an MoU with Masdar from Abu Dhabi and ACWA Power from Saudi Arabia to explore 3.5 GW of offshore wind projects in Azerbaijan. These initiatives reflect Azerbaijan’s growing focus on renewable energy to diversify its energy mix and promote sustainability.

The agreements with Chinese companies mark a significant step in advancing Azerbaijan’s offshore wind ambitions. By combining international expertise with local resources, the projects aim to establish a robust renewable energy infrastructure in the Caspian Sea, contributing to the country’s long-term energy and environmental objectives. The phased approach ensures steady progress, aligning with Azerbaijan’s vision for sustainable development and clean energy production.

by offshore energy