In 2016, Iran proposed a regional initiative to develop the Persian Gulf-Black Sea International Transport and Transit Corridor (ITC), which would include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Bulgaria, and Greece. This multi-modal corridor will begin in Iran at Bandar Abbas, head north through the country, and continue into Armenia or Azerbaijan, connecting four key …
Read More »Green Light for Energy: Egypt-Saudi Arabia Interconnection Project Moves Forward
Egypt and Saudi Arabia advance a significant power grid interconnection, enhancing regional energy exchange and cooperation. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, two of the most powerful countries in the Arab world, have long enjoyed strong diplomatic, economic, and strategic relations. The two nations’ cooperation on regional security issues has further cemented their …
Read More »Umud Shokri: Azerbaijan has significant potential to become a major exporter of renewable electricity – INTERVIEW
Baku, November 1, AZERTAC Azerbaijan’s hosting of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change will play a critical role in facilitating the country’s transition to green energy, as well as achieving the goals of renewable energy development. Undoubtedly, the international …
Read More »Iran’s Renewable Energy Prospects and Challenges
Iran’s renewable energy sector now produces less than one percent of the nation’s total electricity, far less than its neighbors Amid the multiple crises roiling the Middle East, Iran’s new President Masoud Pezeshkian also faces important decisions about his country’s energy destiny. Characterized by excessive reliance on fossil fuels and frequent power …
Read More »Geopolitical Rivalries in the South Caucasus: Evaluating the Aras Corridor as an Alternative to Zangezur
Rival transit corridor projects have centered on the South Caucasus as it becomes more and more important in connecting Europe and Asia. These corridors serve as hubs for international trade integration, regional stability, and economic progress in addition to being routes for transit. The Zangezur Corridor is unique among these …
Read More »A New President Visits an Old Partner: Tehran Turns to Iraq
In his first trip abroad as president, Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iraq’s central role in Iran’s foreign policy. Masoud Pezeshkian’s inaugural trip to Iraq from September 11-13 marked a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the two neighbors. The new president’s visit underscores Iraq’s strategic importance to Iran and reflects Pezeshkian’s commitment …
Read More »Breaking Down Saudi Arabia’s Ambitious Climate Agenda
After decades of growing rich on oil exports, Riyadh recognizes that it must adapt to a changing climate and global economy if the Kingdom—and Saudi leaders are betting big. In the last half-decade, Saudi Arabia has deliberately set out to realize a green economy and achieve an energy transition that …
Read More »Azerbaijan’s green shift: Energy transition, COP29 commitments, and US collaboration
The following article is based on research conducted under the State Department’s Title VIII Fellowship, for the Black Sea Program at MEI. During summer 2024, the author traveled to Baku and Karabakh and interviewed 15 policymakers from various government ministries, the private sector, academia, the parliament, and energy agencies. Azerbaijan …
Read More »Powering Politics: The Crucial Role of Energy Security in the U.S. Presidential Race
In the run-up to the next U.S. presidential elections, energy security is becoming an increasingly important issue. Candidates’ suggested methods for improving energy security are being closely examined as they present their energy agendas. While some place greater emphasis on attaining energy independence, others give priority to more general goals …
Read More »Amid a Climate in Crisis, the UAE Doubles Down on Renewable Energy
The United Arab Emirates has decided to leverage its immense wealth to bring about a green revolution, but staying the path will require an enduring commitment. As increasingly devastating climate events underline the need to transition away from fossil fuels, the rapid and sustainable development of renewable energy resources has …
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