A new agreement to import Russian gas through Azerbaijan – signed by Iran’s president in Moscow — may reflect difficulties in constructing a pipeline under the Caspian Sea. Among the many challenges it faces as its regional alliances buckle, Iran is also experiencing a severe energy crisis despite possessing the world’s second-largest …
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Iran is facing serious environmental challenges exacerbated by climate change, which threaten its long-term sustainability. Rising temperatures, acute water shortages, and increasing frequency of natural disasters such as droughts and floods are placing mounting pressure on the nation’s ecosystems and agriculture. Iran’s heavy reliance on gas and oil, combined with …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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Historically reliant on its abundant gas and oil resources, Azerbaijan is currently experiencing a significant energy transition aimed at enhancing sustainability and broadening its energy composition. The country has made large investments in hydroelectric, solar, and wind power to meet its ambitious targets for increasing the share of renewable energy …
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Iran’s already significant winter gas shortage has been exacerbated by Turkmenistan’s decision to halt gas deliveries to Iran, including gas swaps with Azerbaijan this year. This has created a challenging situation for Iran, which is struggling with a severe gas shortage during the winter months. The breakdown of these gas-related …
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As Iran grapples with a severe lack of foreign investment, its Arab neighbors are increasingly channeling funds into Iran’s northern regions, boosting trade turnover. On December 17, the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan jointly launched a substantial investment fund worth one billion dollars. This collaborative venture sees …
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An Iranian official has acknowledged that the country’s net electricity export has reached zero, due to internal power deficit. Official statistics indicate that during the last three years, Iran’s electricity exports were plunging gradually, while imports increased. Mohammad Elahdad, the Deputy for Transmission and Foreign Trade at the Energy Ministry, …
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Despite close political relations with China, Iran has been largely left out of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and other regional investments, amid US sanctions. China is connected to Southeast and South Asia, Central Asia, the Pacific Ocean, Africa, and Europe through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive …
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