Mon 18 July 2022:
As part of its efforts to wean itself from its reliance on Russian energy, the European Union and Azerbaijan announced a new agreement on Monday that will double the amount of Azeri gas imported.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy was signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, according to a statement released by the EU executive body.
“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 meters of gas per year and we will expand its capacity to 20 billion cubic meters” 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 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.
The European Commission announced plans in March to reduce reliance on Russian energy by slashing two-thirds of gas imports in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In order to achieve this, the bloc wants to quicken the switch to renewable energy sources while securing the supply of fossil fuels from new allies.
In addition, the EU imposed six sets of sanctions on Russia, including a ban on the importation of coal and crude oil.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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