ECONOMY
Baku hosts 13th ERRA Energy Investment and Regulation Conference
The 13th Energy Investment and Regulation Conference of the Energy Regulators Regional Association (ERRA) has today kicked off in Baku.
Some 200 experts from more than 30 countries participated in the conference.
The event focused on the energy industry in Azerbaijan, security of energy supply, challenges of renewable penetration, water utility regulation - as a new task for multi-sector utility regulators, and empowerment of customers in energy markets.
Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Niyazi Safarov stressed the importance of holding the conference in Baku in terms of the development of cooperation even further. He also highlighted Azerbaijan`s economic achievements.
Chairman of the Energy Regulators Regional Association Alparslan Bayraktar said Azerbaijan was the region’s most rapidly developing country. “Along with Georgia and Turkey, Azerbaijan plays the role of an energy corridor between Europe and Asia. The energy projects, initiated by and involving Azerbaijan, are of critical importance in terms of ensuring energy security of both the region and entire Europe. Azerbaijan is a reliable partner not only for the hydrocarbon reserves of the Caspian Sea, but also for other energy resources.”
Georgian Deputy Minister of Energy Mariam Valishvili spoke of the country`s energy policy and projects.
The Forum continued with plenary sessions.
The Energy Regulators Regional Association (ERRA) is a voluntary organization comprised of independent energy regulatory bodies primarily from the Central European and Eurasian region, with affiliates from Africa, Asia and the Middle East and the United States.