EU signs deal with Azerbaijan to double gas imports amid energy crisis
Azerbaijan currently delivers around 8 billion cubic metres of gas per year to the EU, and is expected to expand its capacity to 20 billion cubic metres by 2027.
The EU is seeking alternative suppliers to Russia because of Moscow's attack on Ukraine.
The European Commission has signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri natural gas to at least 20 billion cubic metres a year by 2027.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership in the field of energy, the EU executive body announced in a statement on Monday.
“Azerbaijan is a crucial energy partner for us that has always been reliable,” von der Leyen said at a joint news conference with Aliyev following the signing ceremony in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital.
Through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, Azerbaijan is “delivering currently more than 8 billion cubic metres of gas per year and we will expand its capacity to 20 billion cubic metres” until 2027, she elaborated.
The Azeri gas imports will already increase to 12 billion next year, which “will help compensate for cuts in supplies of Russian gas and contribute significantly to Europe’s security of supply,” she added.
The new deal also aims to contribute to climate neutrality and cooperation on renewable energy.
For his part, Aliyev stressed that “issues of energy security today are more important than ever before.”
He added: “Long-lasting, predictable and very reliable cooperation between EU and Azerbaijan in the field of energy is a big asset.”
The EU is turning to trustworthy energy suppliers.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) July 18, 2022
Azerbaijan is one of them.
With today's agreement, we commit to expanding the Southern Gas Corridor, to double gas supplies from Azerbaijan to the EU.
This is good news for our supplies of gas this winter and beyond. pic.twitter.com/j1sVcv10z6
Reducing dependency on Russian energy
The Southern Gas Corridor transporting Azeri gas to the EU has been operational since 2020.
The gas from Azerbaijan arrives in Europe via Türkiye through the Trans Anatolian Pipeline, which is connected to the bloc’s Trans Adriatic Pipeline, supplying gas from Greece to Italy.
In response to the Russian offensive in Ukraine, the European Commission revealed plans in March to reduce dependency on Russian energy by cutting two-thirds of gas imports.
For this purpose, the bloc aims to accelerate the green transition into renewables and secure fossil fuel supply from new partners.
In parallel, the EU has also slapped six sets of sanctions against Russia, including a ban on crude oil and coal imports.
READ MORE: Europe on edge as Nord Stream Russian gas link enters maintenance
Copyright © 2024 TRT World.