Central Asian Countries Sign Energy Interconnection Agreement
Energy Ministries of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan Sign Historic Memorandum for Energy Grid Interconnection
ASTANA — The energy ministries of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan made a significant stride towards energy collaboration by signing a historic memorandum at the Tashkent International Investment Forum on May 1. This memorandum marks the first step towards interconnecting the energy grids of the three countries, as reported by the Kazakh Ministry of Energy.
The aim of this memorandum is to establish the foundational terms of cooperation for the ambitious project of linking the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. One of the key components of this plan is to investigate the feasibility of laying a high-voltage cable along the seabed of the Caspian Sea, as well as in other territories. This strategic move is intended to enhance the trading of green energy among the three countries, leveraging technical and economic efficiencies.
Energy Minister of Kazakhstan, Almasadam Satkaliyev, highlighted the groundwork that had been laid prior to the signing of the memorandum. He stated, “As part of the terms of reference, a proposed business model will be developed to facilitate international transmission corridors – financing, revenue flow, and ownership – and for the sale of green energy to the countries of the European Union. Based on the above, a draft memorandum of cooperation on interconnection of the energy systems of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan was developed between the energy ministries of the three countries.”
As discussions progress, the Kazakh Energy Ministry reiterates its preparedness for full-fledged collaboration, emphasizing its commitment to realizing the shared vision of an interconnected energy network spanning the Caspian Sea and beyond. This memorandum sets the stage for enhanced cooperation in the energy sector among these Central Asian countries, fostering regional energy integration and sustainable development.
