SCO pushes integrated energy cooperation across China, Russia and Iran corridor

The Bishkek summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization served as a platform to expand energy cooperation beyond bilateral deals, reflecting a decade-long process that began with the Energy Club in 2013. Participants reviewed a 2024-2030 strategy and a 2025 road map, and reaffirmed work on an SCO Energy Consortium aimed at coordinated infrastructure planning across the region. Russia is redirecting oil to Asia after losing European markets, while expanding gas pipelines such as Power of Siberia and the planned Power of Baikal to reach China.

Iran, despite large reserves, struggles with financing and export infrastructure, relying heavily on China as its main oil buyer. China, a top consumer, is bolstering storage, LNG terminals and strategic reserves to enhance its energy security. The consortium could also address electricity trade from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, shared storage solutions, and the shift toward national-currency settlements for energy transactions.