Azerbaijan has received its first international carbon credits for renewable energy generation following the certification of two small hydropower plants. State power utility Azerenerji said the issuance follows the verification of greenhouse gas emission reductions at facilities located in the Lachin district.
The project, designated as Hydro–3, includes the Mirik and Garagyshlag hydropower stations and was developed in collaboration with SOCAR Trading. The initiative was formally registered with the Gold Standard international certification body in May 2025.
A total of 10,745 carbon units were issued on Jan. 28, 2026. These units represent verified emission reductions achieved during the period from April 2024 to August 2025. The transaction marks the first time Azerbaijan has generated international carbon offsets through its renewable energy sector.
The development is part of a broader government strategy to establish green energy zones in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions – a policy aimed at increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix. Officials have prioritized the reconstruction of small-scale hydropower infrastructure to meet both domestic energy needs and international climate obligations.
