Balababa Rzayev
The President of Azerbaijan’s state electricity monopoly, Azerenerji, Balababa Rzayev, has been issued a severe reprimand for violating gas usage regulations and exporting electricity without proper government approval, the Cabinet of Ministers said on Thursday.
Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed the reprimand order following allegations that Rzayev disregarded the fuel and energy balance guidelines for 2024, the Cabinet’s press service stated. The reprimand specifically cited Rzayev’s failure to adhere to gas usage directions and for unauthorized electricity exports.
According to the Ministry of Energy, Azerenerji produced 16.98 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity from January to August 2024 and exported 858.9 million kWh. The company also imported 125.5 million kWh during the same period.
The fuel and energy balance of Azerbaijan, which outlines production, consumption, and export targets for the country’s energy sector, is approved annually by the Prime Minister, typically in December. However, the document is not publicly accessible, despite not carrying a confidentiality stamp or being marked "for official use only." This lack of transparency contrasts with neighboring Georgia, where the annual fuel and energy balance and any subsequent amendments are made publicly available.
The reprimand highlights growing concerns within the government regarding transparency and adherence to regulations within state-owned enterprises, as the country seeks to optimize its energy strategy and improve economic oversight.
No immediate comment was available from Azerenerji or its president regarding the reprimand.
Energy
-
"We need an agreement on a new ambitious climate finance goal here in Baku. Through various components, this goal should mobilize the funding necessary for developing countries," United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated at a media briefing at COP29 on November 21.he said.
-
A balanced energy transition is key to global sustainability, said Haitham al-Ghais, Secretary-General of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), in his speech at a high-level meeting during COP29. He emphasized the continuing importance of oil and gas in meeting global energy needs, calling for a balanced and inclusive approach to the energy transition.
-
Natural gas currently satisfies 23% of global primary energy needs, said Mohammad Hamel, Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), at the COP29 summit. He emphasized the indispensable role of natural gas in the global energy landscape, noting its contribution to economic growth, environmental sustainability, and food security.
-
The European Union (EU) has warned participants at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Baku that any backsliding on the commitments made last year at COP 28 in Dubai regarding the transition away from fossil fuels would be unacceptable. The EU insists that a similar commitment be included in the final decisions of this year’s conference.
Leave a review