The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) officially presented its flagship gasification initiative for the Korça region of Albania, marking a significant step in the expansion of Azerbaijani energy investments into the Western Balkans.
Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov shared news of the project's public launch on social media platform X, noting its strategic relevance to both nations, Caliber.Az reports via local media.
The event was attended by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku, and other high-ranking officials.
“This project, which is the first step in the development of gas infrastructure in Albania, is important not only to diversify the country's energy supply and support the climate agenda, but also in terms of expanding the geography of gas supply in Azerbaijan,” Shahbazov emphasized.
The gasification initiative, dubbed project “Nur”, represents the first Azerbaijani-backed effort to establish a gas infrastructure network in Albania. It aims to improve regional energy security, reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels, and contribute to Albania’s decarbonization goals in line with European energy standards.
The groundwork for the initiative was laid in November 2024, when SOCAR, Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, and the Albanian gas transmission operator Albgaz signed a memorandum of cooperation focused on gas infrastructure development in the Korça region. Construction of the new infrastructure is set to begin in 2025, with full completion projected for 2027.
Further underscoring Azerbaijan’s long-term commitment to Albania, SOCAR officially inaugurated its representative office in the country on February 10, 2025. The establishment of this office signals SOCAR’s strategic intent to play a central role in Albania’s energy transformation, and it will serve as the operational hub for the pilot gasification project and future energy initiatives.
The “Nur” project not only enhances Albania’s access to alternative energy sources but also fortifies Azerbaijan’s growing influence in Southeast Europe, reinforcing Baku’s ambitions to become a key player in the region’s energy transition.
By Vafa Guliyeva
Source: caliber.az
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