COP29 host boasted about its clean-energy plans. Major project to be built on disputed territory

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🗞️ Driving the news: At COP29, Azerbaijan showcased its renewable energy projects, emphasizing solar, wind, and hydropower in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, formerly home to 100,000 Armenians until 2023
• Critics accuse Azerbaijan of using green energy projects to "greenwash" its image after alleged ethnic cleansing during a military offensive

🔭 The context: Azerbaijan aims to develop over 10 GW of renewable energy in Nagorno-Karabakh and neighboring East Zangezur, partnering with firms like BP and TEPSCO
• Human rights groups argue these initiatives erase Armenian cultural heritage, while concerns persist over land mines and environmental damage

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Though green energy is vital for decarbonization, Azerbaijan’s projects risk entrenching geopolitical conflicts and raising ethical concerns about sustainable development in war-torn areas

⏭️ What's next: While Azerbaijan claims renewables can foster regional cooperation, unresolved disputes and allegations of ethnic cleansing cast doubt on such claims
• The projects also risk powering fossil fuel infrastructure, undermining their environmental benefits

💬 One quote: “This green-energy zone is just one way to do it so that there is nicer packaging for the international community.” — Andranik Shirinyan, Armenian representative for Freedom House

📈 One stat: Refugees fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023 numbered over 100,000 within one week, highlighting the scale of the displacement crisis

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