Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Bulgaria are working towards an intergovernmental agreement on a new green electricity corridor that could be signed during the COP31 climate conference in Antalya in November. The planned deal is framed around a Green Electricity Transmission and Trade Project. The project would establish a framework for moving renewable power between the Caucasus and European markets. It would also allow participating countries to exchange surplus output and manage periods of tighter supply.
Intergovernmental agreement timing and corridor scope
The initiative is positioned as part of Turkey’s broader strategy to become a regional electricity transit hub. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has compared the initiative’s potential strategic importance with the TANAP gas corridor. Stronger interconnections are expected to support additional outlets for solar and wind generation in Azerbaijan and Georgia. They are also intended to improve regional security of supply and create a route into Southeast European markets through Turkey and Bulgaria.
Nakhchivan connection studies and technical work
Turkey and Azerbaijan are separately studying a direct connection involving the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan. Initial technical work has been completed and a preferred option has been identified. There is no construction timetable associated with the Nakhchivan connection at this stage. Transmission system operators are continuing further feasibility studies.
Feasibility, institutional framework, and cross-border capacity
The November agreement would provide an institutional framework for the wider four-country corridor. Financing, capacity allocation and delivery schedules would still need to be resolved before construction could start. For Southeast Europe, the project’s value would depend on whether it delivers firm cross-border capacity. The region already has growing renewable surpluses, but congestion frequently prevents cheaper electricity from reaching higher-priced markets.
