Phil Cole, Director of Industrial Affairs at WindEurope, was interviewed by the Azerbaijan State News Agency (AZERTAC).

WindEurope is an association promoting the use of wind power in Europe. Before 2016, WindEurope was called EWEA, the European Wind Energy Association.

-Mr. Cole, what are the main goals of the signed memorandum between WindEurope and the Renewable Energy Agency of Azerbaijan?

- WindEurope and the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency have outlined several key areas for collaboration to promote wind energy development in Azerbaijan and the wider Caspian region. Their joint efforts will focus on establishing competition criteria that go beyond price considerations, incorporating factors such as biodiversity protection, cybersecurity, and job creation.

Another priority is the development of effective maritime spatial planning and grid infrastructure to support offshore wind projects. Simplifying permitting procedures will also be a key objective, ensuring a more efficient and streamlined process for constructing new wind farms.

- How does the partnership between WindEurope and the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency contribute to the development of the supply chain and the export of wind energy to Europe?

-The partnership aims to enhance the supply chain by exploring opportunities for sourcing wind energy components both locally and from European manufacturers.

A crucial aspect of this cooperation involves linking European electricity purchasers with wind energy generated in Azerbaijan, ensuring optimal electricity flow. Furthermore, the two parties are committed to advancing the Caspian-EU Green Energy Corridor by developing an electricity connector that will link Azerbaijan’s grid to the EU via a subsea cable under the Black Sea, facilitating the export of wind energy to Europe.

-What role can WindEurope play in the transfer of wind energy from Azerbaijan to Europe?

- Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding between WindEurope and the Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency in March 2024, we will support Azerbaijan, advising on methods of onshore and offshore wind deployment In addition, WindEurope will also continue to connect policymakers, regulators and potential electricity off-takers in Azerbaijan and the EU to progress the project.

-How can WindEurope help attract European companies to wind energy projects in Azerbaijan?

- WindEurope has over 600 member companies active across all aspects of wind energy development. Some of these companies are eager to invest in Azerbaijan directly. However, WindEurope can also support in terms of knowledge transfer. The EU is a leader in wind energy technology and in the integration of renewable electricity into the wider energy system. Azerbaijan can benefit from decades of experience with wind energy in Europe.

- What benefits will the EU receive from cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of wind energy?

- The EU'S strategic priorities for supporting wind energy development in the Caspian region focus on leveraging the region’s abundant wind and wider renewable energy potential, while also fostering economic, technological and environmental benefits. Azerbaijan plays a pivotal role in this vision. The country has had the foresight to take advantage of its wind energy resources, both for its own use and as an export opportunity at a time when some countries are struggling to meet their 2030 renewable energy targets.

-What economic benefits can the construction of new wind turbines bring in the region?

- Azerbaijan offers significant potential for the development of both onshore and offshore wind energy and is an attractive country for experienced wind farm developers considering its abundant wind resources and consistent wind speeds. As well as increasing its own energy transition, Azerbaijan’s proximity to other major countries also offers opportunities to decarbonize industry through the electrification of their processes. Azerbaijan is also in an excellent position to be able to learn from the mistakes that mature wind energy markets have made over the years and so will be able to avoid these in order to develop their significant wind resources at pace.

In Europe wind energy is already employing 370,000 people, with up to 600,000 jobs estimated by 2030. Azerbaijan's economy could benefit from a similar boom in jobs and value creation.

- How will the development of wind energy affect electricity exports from Azerbaijan, from your point of view?

- Azerbaijan can become a major electricity exporter to Eastern and Central Europe, creating lasting economic ties between the regions.

-What initiatives does WindEurope implement to support wind energy in the world?

- WindEurope is the voice of the wind industry, actively promoting wind energy across Europe. We have over 600 members from across the whole value chain of wind energy; wind turbine manufacturers; component suppliers; power utilities and wind farm developers; financial institutions; research institutes and the national wind energy associations. We are actively promoting the use of onshore and offshore wind energy across Europe. We are also involved in research projects and educational activities around wind energy.

-How does the association plan to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the future?

- With priority, we aim to implement the 7 points identified in the memorandum between WindEurope and the Renewable Energy Agency of Azerbaijan. WindEurope is ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan in the direction of expanding relations with European companies in the field of development of the use of wind energy potential.