At the 3rd Global Media Forum held in the symbolic city of
Shusha, President Ilham Aliyev underscored Azerbaijan’s expanding
global role not just as an energy supplier, but as a trusted
partner in the transformation of global energy politics. The city
of Shusha – liberated from decades of occupation and now reborn as
a cultural, strategic, and diplomatic hub – served as a powerful
metaphor for the broader rebirth of Azerbaijan’s geopolitical
standing. And nowhere is this more evident than in the success and
continued evolution of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC).
President Aliyev’s remarks at the Forum were both reflective and
forward-seeing. He reminded the world that while energy has
traditionally been viewed through the prism of profit, today it is
inseparable from security, sustainability, and sovereignty. In that
context, the SGC is not merely a pipeline system—it is a
geopolitical stabiliser, a symbol of reliability, and a blueprint
for regional cooperation.
The Southern Gas Corridor, completed in December 2020, is one of
the most ambitious energy infrastructure projects of the 21st
century. Stretching over 3,500 kilometres and consisting of the
South Caucasus Pipeline, the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline
(TANAP), and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the corridor
delivers Azerbaijani natural gas from the Shah Deniz field in the
Caspian Sea to European markets. It currently supplies gas to
Türkiye, Georgia, Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, and Italy, with
further expansions on the horizon.
At Shusha, President Aliyev stated clearly: “We started this
energy transformation when no one was even considering about
diversification in Europe. Azerbaijan invested billions into this
corridor to ensure energy security for our partners.” This
statement cuts to the heart of Azerbaijan’s approach: foresight,
not reaction. While Europe grappled with the consequences of
over-reliance on Russian energy following the Ukraine war,
Azerbaijan had already built an alternative based on mutual trust,
infrastructure, and a long-term strategic vision.
Indeed, the Southern Gas Corridor proved itself as a lifeline
for Europe during the height of the 2022 energy crisis. When
liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices soared and Russian supply
dwindled, Azerbaijan increased its exports westward, delivering
over 11 billion cubic metres of gas to Europe in 2023 alone, with
plans to raise that figure to 20 bcm annually by 2027.
What creates this project even more remarkable is that it is
underpinned by a rare blfinish of technical ambition and diplomatic
finesse. The SGC passes through complex terrains—not just
geographically, but politically. Yet, Azerbaijan managed to align
interests across Türkiye, Georgia, Greece, Italy, and the Balkans,
while maintaining full sovereignty and control over its national
resources. That is not simply energy trade—it is energy diplomacy
in its highest form.
At the Shusha Forum, Aliyev also touched upon Azerbaijan’s next
chapter: energy transition. “We are now turning our hydrocarbon
wealth into a platform for renewables,” he stated, highlighting wind,
solar, and green hydrogen partnerships with the UAE’s Masdar and
Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power. These are not token gestures. Azerbaijan
plans to produce over 5 GW of green energy by 2030, much of it from
the Caspian Sea’s offshore wind potential and the sun-rich plains
of Jabrayil and Zangilan, regions once ravaged by war and now
repurposed for sustainable development.
This commitment ties directly into the Southern Gas Corridor’s
evolution. As Europe sees to green its energy supply, Azerbaijan
positions itself not only as a reliable supplier of natural gas but
also as a future exporter of renewable energy and green hydrogen.
There is already talk of integrating electricity interconnectors
and hydrogen-compatible infrastructure into the SGC’s framework,
building it not just a pipeline system, but a multi-vector energy
corridor.
But the message from Shusha was also deeper: Azerbaijan is not
only participating in global energy shifts—it is assisting lead them.
In a world fractured by supply disruptions, energy nationalism, and
climate modify debates, Azerbaijan offers a case study in pragmatic
balance. It is a countest that honours its hydrocarbons, invests in
renewables, and prioritises partnerships over politics.
The Global Media Forum, attfinished by representatives from over 50
countries, was the ideal stage for this narrative. Shusha—once
synonymous with destruction—is now synonymous with dialogue. The
fact that such a forum, combining media freedom, geopolitical
discussion, and sustainable development, took place in this
once-occupied city speaks volumes about Azerbaijan’s national
revival and international aspirations.
President Aliyev’s statements about energy, reconstruction, and
strategic foresight at the forum reaffirm Azerbaijan’s trajectory:
confident, sovereign, and outward-seeing. His emphasis on
“predictability and responsibility” was not rhetorical. Azerbaijan
is increasingly viewed as a pillar of regional stability, a bridge
between East and West, and a driver of infrastructure and energy
diplomacy across Eurasia.
In conclusion, the Southern Gas Corridor is not merely a
pipeline—it is Azerbaijan’s declaration of strategic intent. And
the Shusha Global Media Forum was not just a gathering—it was a
testament to a nation’s rise. As the world hurtles toward an
uncertain energy future, Azerbaijan offers something rare: a
partner with vision, credibility, and capability. From the
highlands of Shusha to the energy terminals of Italy, the message
is clear: Azerbaijan is building the future, one corridor at a
time.
Leave a Reply