Ahead of the COP29 conference, a select group of Asian journalists had the unique opportunity to explore Baku, Azerbaijan, and attend Baku Energy Week. Among the nine participants, three were distinguished members of the Climate Tracker Asia network: Cheryl Tan from Singapore, Andi Muhammad Ibnu Aqil from Indonesia, and Ludwig Federigan from the Philippines. Their visit provided a firsthand glimpse into Azerbaijan’s complex energy landscape and its ambitious renewable energy initiatives.

Cheryl Tan’s Insights from Baku

Cheryl Tan shared her intriguing experiences in Baku, noting the city’s profound connection to its oil wealth, evident in landmarks like the iconic flame towers and the Nobel brothers’ house museum. The economic growth driven by fossil fuels was clear, as were the challenges Azerbaijan faces in transitioning to a greener economy.

“Visiting Baku ahead of the COP29 conference was an intriguing experience. Signs of its oil wealth are everywhere—from its signature flame towers to the Nobel brothers’ house museum. The visit really opened my eyes to how instrumental this resource has been for the country’s economic growth over the years,” Cheryl said.

During their visit to Baku Energy Week, Cheryl observed significant renewable energy deals and toured a mega solar plant established by Masdar. However, she noted that the lack of investments in grid infrastructure and battery storage could limit the use of domestic renewables. “Azerbaijan could very well face the same problem further down the line, underlining the need for investments in this area,” she remarked.

Cheryl’s complete story is available here: With history of fossil fuel production, how will COP29 host Azerbaijan reach net-zero emissions?

Ludwig Federigan’s Perspective

Ludwig Federigan provided a comprehensive view of Azerbaijan’s energy strategy. Despite the country’s plans to increase gas production, it is also committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050 and increasing renewable energy’s share to 30% by 2030. Ludwig highlighted the launch of three renewable energy projects in Baku that will supply 1 gigawatt of power.

“Azerbaijan plans to significantly increase its gas production as part of a broader strategy to enhance energy security and support economic growth,” Ludwig wrote in his column. He also compared Azerbaijan’s GDP per capita and climate targets with those of the Philippines, noting that both countries face similar challenges and opportunities.

Read Ludwig’s articles for more insights:

• Azerbaijan will lead by example
• Baku’s rich history: A preview of the United Nations Climate Change Conference’s host city in Azerbaijan
• My namesake – Ludwig – is an oil baron

Andi Muhammad Ibnu Aqil’s Reflections

Andi Muhammad Ibnu Aqil shared his impressions of Azerbaijan’s energy transition efforts. While the country is still in the early stages of this transition, he found the visit to a waste-to-energy plant and a solar power plant insightful. He noted that the majority of Azerbaijan’s electricity is still powered by gas, underscoring the country’s dependence on fossil fuels.

“Azerbaijan itself was only starting out in its energy transition. During the trip, the organizer took us to a waste-to-energy plant and a solar power plant just outside of Baku. But the vast majority of their electricity is powered by gas,” Aqil observed.

Aqil also reflected on the local engagement with energy issues, highlighting the city’s reliance on cars due to cheap fuel and decent public transportation. He emphasized that Azerbaijan still views its fossil fuel resources as a valuable asset, which could impact its climate ambitions during COP29.

Aqil’s article, which delves into Azerbaijan’s position on energy and its approach to the upcoming climate conference, is available behind a paywall at the Jakarta Post.

The experiences of Cheryl, Ludwig, and Aqil in Baku provide valuable insights into the host city of COP29. Their observations highlight the complexities and challenges Azerbaijan faces as it balances economic development with environmental sustainability. As the world gathers for COP29, the lessons learned from Azerbaijan’s energy landscape will undoubtedly contribute to the broader discourse on energy transition and climate action.