Azerbaijan has approved a long-term low-carbon development strategy that sets a conditional goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2060.
Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed the government decision approving the strategy, according to Vesti Baku. The Economy Ministry was instructed to work with relevant agencies to incorporate sector-specific decarbonization measures into state programs, strategies and national action plans.
The 2060 target is conditional rather than guaranteed. Implementation will depend on additional financial resources, including international cooperation and support, technology transfers, concessional lending and private-sector investment, Report said.
Buildings to Shift Toward Electric Heat Pumps
The strategy calls for equipment now powered by natural gas in existing residential and commercial buildings to be electrified and replaced with electric heat pumps by 2035.
New buildings are expected to be required to include heat-pump systems. The government also plans incentives for installations in cities and rural areas and support for powering the systems with electricity generated from renewable sources.
APA also reported on Oct. 22 that the government had approved the strategy and that Asadov signed the decision.
Financing Will Determine the Pace
The Finance Ministry is expected to provide funding for decarbonization measures. The scale and timing of individual projects will depend on subsequent government programs and the amount of domestic and external financing secured.