CECECO, SOCAR Green and Hydrogen Europe: Advancing Green Hydrogen Cooperation Between Europe and Emerging Clean Energy Markets

CECECO, SOCAR Green and Hydrogen Europe Convene High-Level Event on Green Hydrogen Cooperation Between Europe and Emerging Clean Energy Markets.

Brussels, 28 October 2026 — The Economic Cooperation Organization Clean Energy Centre (CECECO), SOCAR Green and Hydrogen Europe jointly organized a high-level side event entitled “Connecting Europe with Emerging Clean Energy Markets: Accelerating Green Hydrogen Development” on the sidelines of European Hydrogen Week 2026 in Brussels.

In his introductory remarks H.E. Mr. Mammad Ahmadzada, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of Belgium emphasized the importance of such events as valuable platforms for fostering dialogue, exchanging expertise, identifying new opportunities for cooperation, and translating shared energy transition ambitions into concrete partnerships and initiatives. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable energy partner of the European Union, the strategic importance of Azerbaijan–EU energy cooperation, and prospects for strengthening partnerships in renewable energy.

The panel, moderated by Ms. Ipek Tekdemir, convened Ms. Petra Schwager, Climate and Technology Partnerships (CTP) Division Chief at UNIDO, Mr. Adam Green, Regional Development Director, Caspian–Black Sea & Eastern Europe at Xlinks, Dr Marcus Kappler, Lead Hydrogen & Energy Markets Analyst at Uniper, Mr. Elmir Musayev, General Director of SOCAR Green,and Ms. Aysel Yagubova, Executive Director of CECECO. Concluding remarks were delivered by Mr. Jorgo Chatzimarkakis, CEO of Hydrogen Europe. The discussions focused on perspectives from the public and private sectors, industry stakeholders, and international and regional organizations, highlighting their respective roles in advancing clean energy markets. Particular attention was given to the potential of green energy corridors connecting the ECO region with Europe, including opportunities for green hydrogen exports, as well as their contribution to sustainable economic growth, regional connectivity, and cross-border energy cooperation.

The side event also provided a platform to promote dialogue among stakeholders on the enabling conditions for clean energydevelopment, including green hydrogen, through supportive policy frameworks, investment, infrastructure and international cooperation.

By bringing together perspectives from Europe and emerging clean energy markets, CECECO, SOCAR Green and Hydrogen Europe underscored the importance of collaborative approaches to unlocking the potential of and advancing the development of interconnected, sustainable energy markets.

The event also featured a presentation “Hydrogen Knowledge Guide: Key Terms and Definitions,” developed by CECECO to promote a shared understanding of key concepts across the hydrogen value chain. Covering 12 thematic chapters, the guide supports knowledge-building and capacity development in the region, contributing to the objectives of the COP29 Hydrogen Declaration to advance international cooperation and scale up development of renewable, clean, zero-emission and low-carbon hydrogen.

About CECECO

Economic Cooperation Organization Clean Energy Centre (CECECO) is an intergovernmental regional organization aimed at advancing clean energy initiatives across the member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan, CECECO is integrated into United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Global Network of Regional Sustainable Energy Centres (GN-SEC). The Centre’s mission is to promote and support investment projects in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency, mobilize financial and technical resources and drive climate action through collaboration, and capacity-building. The Charter of the Centre was adopted by the ECO Council of Foreign Ministers on 27 November 2021, where Azerbaijan was selected as the host country for the Center. The signatory countries of the CECECO Charter are - Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.

About SOCAR Green

Established in 2024, SOCAR Green, wholly owned subsidiary of SOCAR, dedicated to advancing renewable energy development and supporting the energy transition in Azerbaijan. The company focuses on the development and implementation of solar and wind energy projects, fostering strategic partnerships with leading international energy companies and exploring innovative low-carbon solutions. Through its growing renewable energy portfolio and commitment to sustainable development, SOCAR Green contributes to the diversification of Azerbaijan’s energy mix, supports SOCAR’s decarbonization objectives, and advances the country’s long-term climate ambitions.

About Hydrogen Europe 

Hydrogen Europe is the European association representing the interest of the European based hydrogen industry and its stakeholders and promoting hydrogen as an enabler of a zero-emission society. With more than 600+ members, including EU regions and national associations, it encompasses the entire value chain of the European hydrogen and fuel cell ecosystem. Its vision is to propel global carbon neutrality by accelerating European hydrogen industry.