Baku Energy Week 2026 Opens as Azerbaijan’s President Declares World Cannot Live Without Fossil Fuels

Baku Energy Week 2026 opened on Monday in Azerbaijan’s capital with sessions on artificial intelligence, gas geopolitics and emissions reduction. Government officials, global energy executives and technology companies gathered at two major venues for the forum.

” Moldova’s Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu said countries are trying to balance “three main objectives”: energy security, affordability and a “sustainable and just” green transition.

He noted Moldova has installed more than one gigawatt of renewable capacity and that natural gas will continue to provide flexible generation. ” He described Azerbaijan as a “trustable partner,” noting Moldova benefited from its supplies during the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Bulgaria’s Deputy Energy Minister Kiril Temelkov said more than 30 percent of Bulgaria’s gas consumption is supplied by Azerbaijan.

He described Azerbaijan as a “sustainable and reliable partner” and said Baku Energy Week has become “a real event for innovations in the energy sector,” including renewables, grid modernisation and energy efficiency. Temelkov highlighted electricity interconnectivity projects linking Europe with the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

He said the corridor for green energy will supply power from Azerbaijan through Bulgaria to Southeastern Europe.

He said Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan are strengthening ties in electricity supply, renewable energy and petroleum products. 9 gigawatts of solar capacity to its network in phases. Broader renewable energy agreements already cover around six gigawatts of future projects, he said.

Ibraev added that Kyrgyzstan is developing multiple hydroelectric projects and rapidly expanding solar infrastructure. Its long-term objective is to eliminate “dirty electricity” and reduce emissions.