Azerbaijan aims to turn Nagorno-Karabakh into a renewable energy powerhouse following its victory over Armenia, with plans to develop hydropower and other green technologies in the region.
Zuza Nazaruk reports for Euronews.
In short:
- Azerbaijan has designated Nagorno-Karabakh as a "green energy zone," focusing on hydropower, solar and wind projects after the 2020 ceasefire.
- The country plans to build 40 new hydropower plants in the region, hoping to generate 10,000 megawatts of green energy by 2024.
- Environmental concerns remain, with critics warning that rapid development may damage ecosystems and water supplies.
Key quote:
“Karabakh will be the new Silicon Valley. But in a green way.”
— Nargiz Hajiyeva, political scientist at the Azerbaijan State University of Economics
Why this matters:
Nagorno-Karabakh's transformation could boost Azerbaijan's green energy capacity and geopolitical influence. However, the rapid development of hydropower without proper environmental assessments poses risks to the region's ecosystem, water resources and long-term sustainability.
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