As of 2025, electricity consumption in Azerbaijan is overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 86% of its electricity sourced from gas. In contrast, clean energy sources make up a modest portion of the electricity mix. Specifically, hydropower constitutes almost all the low-carbon electricity, accounting for nearly 13% of the total consumption. It's clear that the low-carbon electricity generation is significantly lower than that from fossil fuels, leaving ample room for development. Shifting more decisively towards low-carbon sources is crucial not only for sustainable growth but also to mitigate the harmful effects of fossil fuel reliance, such as climate change and air pollution.

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

Is Electricity Growing in Azerbaijan?

Electricity consumption in Azerbaijan has seen a considerable decrease since its peak in 1988. The current consumption stands at 2516 kWh per person, registering a significant drop of 812 kWh compared to the previous high. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has declined, with recent figures showing 338 kWh per person—39 kWh less than the record set in 2010. This downtrend is troubling, especially as increasing and diversifying electricity sources is essential for bringing innovation and growth to the nation's economy. With advancements in technology and electrification trends demanding more electricity globally, Azerbaijan needs to reverse this trend to keep pace with future needs.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Azerbaijan can look to successful regions for inspiration, particularly focusing on nuclear and solar power. Countries like France and Slovakia have demonstrated that a strong emphasis on nuclear energy can lead to over 60% of electricity coming from low-carbon sources. Meanwhile, neighboring regions in Europe, such as North Macedonia with 49% solar contribution, showcase the potentials of solar energy in comparable climates. Investing in these technologies can accelerate Azerbaijan's transition towards clean energy, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable electricity generation. Harnessing nuclear and solar power will not only stabilize the electricity supply but also significantly reduce dependency on fossil fuels—a necessary shift for environmental and economic resilience.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Azerbaijan has been a tale of fluctuations, primarily centered around hydropower. In the early 1990s, there were some increases, with years like 1990 and 1993 seeing growth, but subsequent years frequently presented significant setbacks or minimal gains. The 2000s and 2010s featured similar patterns, with periods of growth overshadowed by declines, such as between 2012 and 2013. Recently, there were positive developments, including a noticeable increase in 2024. However, some declines were also evident, as seen in a slight reduction in solar generation in 2025. Given the sporadic nature of past growth, Azerbaijan must commit to a more coherent strategy for developing diverse low-carbon energy sources for a consistent and sustainable increase in clean electricity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade