ENHANCING THE REGULATORY LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO FOSTER ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SECTOR GROWTH IN AZERBAIJAN: LESSONS FROM GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES

Azerbaijan holds substantial potential to develop alternative energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass which are essential for achieving sustainable energy and decreasing fossil fuel dependence. The advancement of this sector faces obstacles due to unclear regulations and insufficient incentives which discourage investment and delay the achievement of national energy objectives. This study seeks to pinpoint successful regulatory and legal structures that enhanced alternative energy development worldwide while offering practical guidance for implementing these frameworks in Azerbaijans distinctive environment. The research uses qualitative comparative legal analysis to study regulatory systems in top renewable energy countries Germany, Denmark, China, UK against Azerbaijans existing structure. Successful international renewable energy sectors rely on integrated policy structures and robust financial rewards such as Feed in Tariffs and tax credits along with efficient permitting processes guaranteed grid availability and participatory stakeholder involvement. Despite government pledges Azerbaijan faces fragmented policies along with administrative permitting delays and weak financial rewards. The study identifies that Azerbaijan must implement specific reforms which include customized financial incentives alongside simplified administrative procedures from successful international practices to form a reliable investment climate that fosters innovation and speeds up alternative energy development for sustainable energy security