Baku, March 4, 2025 – The Europe Today: Azerbaijan is strengthening its commitment to energy efficiency and environmental sustainability by incorporating legislative measures into its national framework. At a public hearing held in the Milli Majlis on “Energy Efficiency: Results and Expectations,” Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Vugar Karimov, underscored the necessity of legislative support for energy-saving initiatives, as reported by News Hub Consultants.
Highlighting Articles 14 and 39 of the Constitution, Karimov emphasized that every individual has the right to live in a healthy environment and that natural resources belong to the people. He stressed the state’s responsibility to ensure their protection and efficient utilization. In this context, the Ministry of Energy’s proposed amendment to the Law “On the Efficient Use of Energy Resources and Energy Efficiency” was deemed a crucial and timely step toward achieving these goals.
According to the Deputy Minister, legislative backing for energy efficiency yields significant benefits:
Economic Benefits – Establishing formal energy efficiency programs will help reduce energy consumption, leading to cost savings for enterprises and households while alleviating pressure on the electricity grid.
Energy Security – Although Azerbaijan has a low dependency on energy imports, enhanced energy efficiency measures will further fortify the country’s resilience against external energy-related challenges.
Karimov also referenced Azerbaijan’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement, particularly Article 4, paragraph 19, which encourages countries to develop Long-Term Low-Carbon Development Strategies (LTS). He noted that as of June 1, 2024, a total of 107 countries have pledged net-zero emissions targets for 2045-2070, collectively accounting for 82% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Azerbaijan is currently in the process of updating its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) through collaborative efforts between the Ministries of Ecology and Natural Resources and Energy. This update aligns with the nation’s broader climate commitments, reinforcing Azerbaijan’s dedication to sustainable development and environmental protection.
