Dr Lina Klesper is an international legal assistant at PKF Malta
COP29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, has garnered significant international attention for its intricate interplay of climate ambitions and geopolitical controversies. The conference, a pivotal platform for addressing global climate change, has unfolded against the backdrop of Azerbaijan’s strained relations with Armenia, marked by political imprisonments and human rights concerns. Adding to the complexity is Azerbaijan’s controversial role as a major fossil fuel producer. While critical discussions on mitigation strategies and the phased reduction of fossil fuels, including the contentious use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transitional energy solution, have taken centre stage, these debates are underscored by broader concerns about the host nation’s approach and the implications for global climate policy.
Critics have pointed out that Azerbaijan has exemplified how not to manage a COP, prioritising control over facilitation by centralising decision-making, tightly controlling negotiations and restricting open dialogue. High-profile figures such as Greta Thunberg and Ursula von der Leyen chose to boycott or abstain from attending the event, citing Azerbaijan’s human rights record and its role in exacerbating climate issues. Despite this, Azerbaijan has leveraged COP29 to solidify its standing as a leading LNG exporter, pushing forward plans to increase natural gas production by a third over the next decade and double its exports to Europe by 2027.
LNG turned out to be a hot topic at COP29, reflecting the tension between immediate energy needs and long-term climate goals. Azerbaijan’s strategic ambitions align with those of other major players, including the United States, where President-elect Donald Trump has signalled plans to position the US as the top global LNG exporter. Proponents argue that LNG, with its lower emissions compared to coal and oil, offers a transitional energy solution for achieving net zero by 2050. However, critics warn that investments in LNG infrastructure could lock nations into fossil fuel dependency, undermining efforts to transition to renewable energy.
Adding to the controversy, a Global Witness investigation found that at least 1,700 fossil-fuel executives were registered to attend COP29. This figure, which is larger than most party delegations, raises serious concerns about the influence of lobbyists on the conference and its outcomes. While last year, the Global Stocktake recognised that the phasing out of fossil fuels is a necessity to meet the Paris Agreement, this year COP29 could not even repeat such an acknowledgement. The consequence is that no substantive outcome on mitigation was reached in Baku.
Malta’s participation in COP29 highlights its own complex relationship with Azerbaijan. In recent years, Azerbaijan has played a key role in Malta’s energy sector, most notably through the Electrogas LNG-to-power plant at Delimara. Through a public-private partnership, involving Azerbaijan’s state oil company Socar, the project has provided Malta with a reliable energy source but remains marred by allegations of corruption.
The Electrogas plant and its long-term LNG supply agreement with Socar became a focal point of controversy following the 2017 assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was investigating corruption linked to the deal.
Thus, Malta’s energy minister, Miriam Dalli’s attendance at COP29 in the city of Baku – a place of bitter significance, where decisions with far-reaching consequences for Malta’s political integrity and international standing were made – served for some as a stark reminder of the unresolved legacy of the Electrogas deal and its profound impact on Malta’s reputation.
COP29 presented Malta with an opportunity to showcase its efforts in water and energy innovation while seeking financing for ambitious renewable energy projects. Malta’s Energy and Water Agency highlighted the country’s progress in desalination technology and efficient water management. However, the Maltese delegation’s focus extended beyond these achievements to plans for offshore renewable energy development in the shallow waters around Hurd’s bank.
Malta aims to harness wind and solar energy to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels. The proposed offshore wind farms have the potential to generate clean electricity and hydrogen gas for export, aligning with Malta’s broader vision for a sustainable energy transition.
To realize this vision, Malta’s energy minister is expected to engage in strategic discussions with potential partners, including Azerbaijan. While such collaborations could accelerate Malta’s renewable energy ambitions, they also raise important questions about balancing ethical and environmental considerations with national interests and practical energy needs.
The limited outcomes of COP29 will likely resonate far beyond Baku, influencing global energy markets and climate policy frameworks. For Malta, the way forward involves building on its sustainability achievements to attract investment while addressing the lessons learned from past energy partnerships. By prioritising transparency, fostering innovation and strengthening international collaboration, Malta has an opportunity to play a meaningful role in advancing the global climate agenda, demonstrating that even small nations can make a significant impact in the fight against climate change.