In a joint effort to bolster energy ties with Europe, Azerbaijan and Georgia have formally requested the European Commission to grant special status to an ambitious Black Sea power line project. The proposed undersea cable, dubbed the “Black Sea Energy” initiative, aims to facilitate the export of renewable electricity from the Caspian Basin to EU member states, offering a new pathway for green energy amidst growing global demand.
The project involves laying a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) bidirectional interconnector beneath the Black Sea, connecting Azerbaijan and Georgia to Romania and Hungary, with the potential to integrate further into the European grid. Energy ministers from the four nations—Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary—have co-signed a letter to EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen, seeking Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) status. This designation would streamline regulatory approvals, unlock EU funding, and expedite construction timelines.
Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shabazov emphasized the strategic importance of the project, stating, “The Black Sea Energy cable is a cornerstone for regional energy security and Europe’s green transition. Granting PMI status would signal strong EU commitment to sustainable energy partnerships.” Georgia’s Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Levan Davitashvili, echoed this sentiment, adding that the initiative aligns with Europe’s climate goals while strengthening economic ties across regions.
The cable, estimated to cost around 3.5 billion euros, would span approximately 1,200 kilometers and take up to four years to complete. It is designed to transmit up to 4 gigawatts of green energy annually, primarily sourced from Azerbaijan’s expanding wind and solar projects in the Caspian region. Azerbaijan has set an ambitious target to generate 30% of its domestic electricity from renewables by 2030, with plans to export surplus capacity to Europe. There’s also potential for integration with a parallel Caspian Sea power line involving Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, creating a broader green energy corridor to the EU.
The European Commission has reportedly indicated it could fund up to two-thirds of the project’s construction costs if PMI status is granted, a decision that could be finalized as early as late March. EU officials have expressed keen interest in the initiative, noting its alignment with the bloc’s goals to diversify energy supplies and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. “This project could play a pivotal role in Europe’s energy future,” an EU spokesperson commented, though they cautioned that rigorous assessments of environmental and economic impacts remain ongoing.
The Black Sea Energy project builds on a series of cooperative steps among the involved nations. In December 2022, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary signed a strategic partnership agreement in Bucharest to develop the energy corridor. More recently, in February 2025, the four countries established a joint venture, the Green Energy Corridor Power Company (GECO Power Company), based in Bucharest, to oversee research, design, and implementation.
Challenges remain, including navigating complex underwater engineering in the Black Sea and securing final investment commitments. Environmental groups have also raised concerns about potential ecological disruptions, urging careful planning to minimize impacts on marine ecosystems. Despite these hurdles, proponents argue the project could set a precedent for cross-continental energy collaboration, potentially fostering stability in the region.
As the European Commission deliberates, Azerbaijan and Georgia are pushing for swift action, hoping to transform the Black Sea into a conduit for sustainable energy and deeper geopolitical ties with Europe. If successful, the power line could mark a significant step toward a greener, more interconnected energy landscape.