Azerbaijan advances hydrogen energy strategy with EBRD backing
Baku sees hydrogen as key to green transition, eyes European partnerships for export potential
BAKU, Azerbaijan (MNTV) — Azerbaijan has entered a new phase of hydrogen energy development with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), officials announced at the “Green Energy Week 2025: Azerbaijan and Central Asia” forum in Baku.
Rena Humbatova, Deputy Director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy, said a consulting company will soon be appointed to help shape the implementation plan of Azerbaijan’s hydrogen strategy.
Thirteen international firms submitted bids in a recently closed tender overseen by the EBRD, with the government now participating in the evaluation process.
According to Humbatova, the consultant’s work will cover regulation, land allocation, renewable energy integration, and other critical aspects of hydrogen development.
She noted that for certification, green hydrogen must be directly linked to renewable sources, underscoring the importance of aligning national efforts with international standards.
Hydrogen has already been included in Azerbaijan’s cooperation agreements with Georgia, Hungary, Romania, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
However, Humbatova stressed that the timeline for hydrogen deployment will depend heavily on European partners, who are expected to be the primary buyers.
The European Union, facing challenges in meeting its domestic production target of 10 million tons, recently launched a platform to connect global producers and consumers, and Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR has been urged to explore participation.
Looking ahead, Humbatova referred to Azerbaijan’s COP29 announcements, which outlined three possible scenarios for hydrogen development.
She said the “balanced scenario” appeared most realistic at present but emphasized that the country’s renewable energy potential could support a more ambitious pathway if market conditions allow.
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