Ukraine offers its biggest gas storage in Europe to Azerbaijan in new energy deal
Photo: Meeting between Ukrainian and Azerbaijani delegations (facebook.com/german.galushchenko)
Ukraine sees potential in Azerbaijan to expand cooperation in gas production, storage, and transportation. The countries have signed a plan for further joint actions, informs the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy and Energy Minister German Galushchenko.
Yesterday, during an official visit to Baku, Galushchenko and his Deputy Minister, Mykola Kolisnyk, met with Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov. They discussed key areas of cooperation in the energy sector.
The Energy Minister emphasized that the Ukrainian-Azerbaijani Intergovernmental Commission is an important tool to strengthen practical cooperation in energy.
"Azerbaijan is one of Europe’s key energy suppliers. We see significant potential to expand partnership in gas production, storage, and transportation. Implementing joint projects will enhance energy security and support economic growth in both countries," Galushchenko said.
He added that together with Azerbaijan's Energy Minister, they signed the protocol of the intergovernmental commission meeting and a roadmap. This outlines a plan for further joint actions.
The parties also discussed opportunities for supplying Azerbaijani gas to Ukraine within the framework of the European diversification strategy.
"We are open to new cooperation formats in the gas sector. In particular, Ukraine offers its underground gas storage (UGS) facilities for international gas storage. Our UGS sites are the largest in Europe and available to foreign companies under a customs warehouse regime, exempt from taxes and fees," the minister said.
Separate attention was given to developing the transit potential of both countries by improving transport corridors, including the Middle Corridor.
The Ukrainian side also thanked Azerbaijan for its consistent support since the start of the full-scale war, including humanitarian aid and assistance in restoring energy infrastructure.
"We highly appreciate the solidarity of the Azerbaijani people with Ukraine. Support in the energy sector was especially important, helping to stabilize our energy system under difficult conditions," said Deputy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk.
Besides signing the roadmap, the parties discussed next steps in cooperation. These include joint energy projects, renewable energy development, and the involvement of Ukrainian companies in modernizing Azerbaijan's energy infrastructure.
"Ukraine is interested in strengthening partnerships with Azerbaijani companies in energy, infrastructure, and innovation. We are open to new investments and projects," the deputy minister added.
Kolisnyk also stressed the readiness of Ukrainian state and private companies to join joint energy projects, especially with SOCAR (State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic) and other Azerbaijani partners.
"Ukraine and Azerbaijan confirmed their commitment to deepen strategic partnership in energy, opening new opportunities for cooperation and enhancing national energy security," the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy summarized.
In January 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to transport Azerbaijani gas to Europe. He made the statement after Ukraine halted transit of Russian gas that same month.
