Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan sign pact on green energy corridor

Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan have officially signed an agreement to establish a "green" energy corridor, facilitating the export of renewable electricity to European markets. The agreement was signed on December 27 via videoconference by representatives of the National Power Grids of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operating Company (KEGOC), and Azerenerji.

This agreement is a direct outcome of a trilateral agreement made by the presidents of the three nations in November, aimed at boosting renewable energy production and transnational electricity transmission.

The energy corridor will involve exporting electricity across the Caspian Sea to the European Union. Uzbekistan's Ministry of Energy highlighted that participation in the EU's "Green Deal" initiatives will enhance Uzbekistan's foreign trade opportunities.

In November, Deputy Minister of Energy Umid Mamadaminov announced plans for Uzbekistan to export surplus electricity to Europe, estimating an annual export potential of 10–15 billion kWh.

The project includes laying a high-voltage underwater cable across the Caspian Sea, connecting through Azerbaijan and Georgia, and extending under the Black Sea to Romania. Italian consulting firm CESI has been tasked with preparing a preliminary feasibility study, which is expected by late 2025. The total cost of the high-voltage transmission line is projected to exceed $2 billion.

The price for exported electricity will be determined by market conditions, with a minimum estimated price of 4–5 cents per kilowatt-hour, according to Mamadaminov.

To meet export demands, new isolated power generation facilities will be constructed, ensuring no strain on Uzbekistan’s existing energy systems. Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov confirmed that the project will deliver between 2 and 5 GW of electricity, depending on the capacity of the underwater cable and agreements with international partners.

Mirzamakhmudov emphasized that the energy corridor aligns with global sustainability goals, leveraging Uzbekistan’s growing renewable energy capacity to support international demand without compromising domestic energy needs.

A joint venture headquartered in Baku was established in August to coordinate green energy exports to Europe. The initiative is a key step toward deepening economic cooperation among Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, while simultaneously advancing renewable energy priorities on a global scale.