As of 2025, Azerbaijan's electricity consumption largely relies on fossil fuel sources, with almost 87% of its electricity generated from fossil fuels, predominantly gas which constitutes nearly the entire portion of this category. This emphasizes a strong dependency on non-renewable energy sources that are associated with carbon emissions harmful to the environment. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources make up approximately 13% of the electricity mix. This is primarily driven by hydropower, which accounts for over 12% of the total electricity generation. Despite the presence of low-carbon sources, the figures indicate a substantial preference towards fossil fuels, signaling an urgent need for a transition to cleaner energy alternatives to mitigate the environmental impacts and align with global sustainability goals.

Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Azerbaijan?

The state of electricity growth in Azerbaijan presents a concerning trend, as recent data shows a decline in per capita electricity consumption compared to historical records. In 2025, consumption stood at 2496 kWh per person, which is a significant drop of 832 kWh from the peak in 1988. Additionally, low-carbon electricity generation has not fared better, with recent outputs at 320 kWh per person—a decrease of 57 kWh since its peak in 2010. These figures suggest Azerbaijan is currently in a period of stagnation rather than growth, which could hinder progress toward sustainable development and the electrification necessary to support future energy demands and technological advancements like AI.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Azerbaijan can draw inspiration from successful examples in other regions. There are several countries that have effectively integrated large shares of nuclear and wind energy into their electricity grids, significantly reducing their carbon emissions. For instance, France and Slovakia generate over 60% of their electricity from nuclear power, a stable and low-carbon energy source. Denmark and Iowa have capitalized on wind energy, contributing 60% and 58% respectively to their electricity needs. Observably, regions like Armenia and Georgia (U.S.) show encouraging developments, with more focused investments in nuclear energy. Azerbaijan should consider emulating these strategies by investing in nuclear and solar technologies, which can help diversify its energy mix and improve its low-carbon electricity share.

History

Historically, Azerbaijan's journey in low-carbon electricity has been characterized by fluctuations, primarily in hydropower generation. The late 20th century and early 21st century saw a few positive increments, with notable improvements in the early 1990s and early 2000s. Nonetheless, these advancements were often undermined by subsequent declines, as seen in the mid-1980s, late 1990s, and early 2010s. The pattern demonstrates occasional spurts of progress interspersed with setbacks, reflecting inconsistency in advancing low-carbon electricity. The recent increases in hydropower and the slight introduction of solar energy in 2024 hint at a positive shift, encouraging ongoing efforts to prioritize sustainable and green energy development. Consistency and expansion of these efforts are crucial to establish a stable and reliable low-carbon electricity framework for Azerbaijan's future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade