AYGUN ZEYNALOVA
Energy Executive
Baku
Summary
Multilingual legal and energy professional with over 12 years of experience across oil & gas, renewable energy, public sector leadership, and academia. Known for managing and leading complex, high-value energy projects, I bring a unique blend of legal expertise, commercial understanding, and strategic leadership. My career spans legal advisory and executive management roles, with a proven track record of delivering results in demanding, multi-stakeholder energy environments.
I have led strategic projects from inception to execution across both conventional and renewable energy sectors—overseeing negotiations, regulatory alignment, and stakeholder engagement. My leadership experience includes working with international investors, development finance institutions, and regulatory authorities, particularly in structuring and implementing utility-scale energy projects.
Currently pursuing a PhD at Université de Picardie Jules Verne (France), my research focuses on energy supply agreements from a private law perspective, covering both natural gas and renewable energy supply structures. I also hold multiple master’s degrees in law from institutions in France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, reflecting a strong academic foundation in international, European, commercial and financial law.
Fluent in several languages and comfortable navigating cross-border legal and commercial frameworks, I bring strategic thinking, legal depth, and practical execution to energy projects. I thrive in roles where legal precision meets commercial ambition—helping shape the future of energy through well-structured, forward-looking agreements and partnerships.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Senior Manager Business Development
ACWA Power
07.2024 - 09.2024
- Led project finance origination for renewable energy assets, focusing on financial structuring and investment opportunities
- Collaborated with financial institutions on structuring project financing solutions for energy transition projects
- Established strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.
Deputy Director - Advisor to the Minister of Energy
Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency under the Ministry of Energy
12.2022 - 02.2024
- Led financial structuring and project development for a USD 350 million 240 MW Wind Power Plant Project with ACWA Power, negotiating Project Documents including Power Purchase Agreements, Investment Agreement, Transmission Connection Agreement and Direct Agreements with investor and international financial institutions
- Represented the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan on a USD 300 million 230 MW Solar PV Project in Garadagh developed by Masdar, including negotiating and drafting of Project Documents, such as Power Purchase Agreement, Investment Agreement, Transmission Connection Agreement with Investor, as well as Direct Agreement with investor and international financial institutions
- Represented the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan on a 240 MW Solar Power Plant Project Shafag (Sunrise) Virtual Power Transfer Arrangement (VPTA) developed by BP in Jabrayil region, including negotiating and drafting Investment Agreement, Power Purchase Agreement and Balancing Agreement
- Led financial structuring and project development of 315 MW Solar PV Project in the Republic of Azerbaijan between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar and SOCAR located at Banka settlement of Neftchala district
- Led financial structuring and project development of 445 MW Solar PV Project in the Republic Azerbaijan between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar and SOCAR Bilasuvar district
- Led financial structuring and project development of 240 MW Onshore Wind Power Plant Project in the Republic of Azerbaijan between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company – Masdar and SOCAR Absheron/Garadagh region
- Originated and developed pipeline of renewable energy projects with diverse partners including ACWA Power, Masdar, BP, and Fortescue Future Industries, with combined capacity exceeding 2 GW
- Led negotiations of the Caspian-EU Green Energy Corridor Project under the 'Agreement on Strategic Partnership' between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary
- Managed project finance and investment frameworks for international renewable energy projects
- Directed financial modeling and risk analysis for a 1.5 GW Offshore Wind Power Plant Project with ACWA Power, overseeing investment parameters and financial risk assessment.
- Oversaw the strategic alignment of a $3 billion national renewable energy initiative, coordinating cross-departmental efforts to meet a 25% increase in clean energy production targets by 2030.
- Championed policy development for national energy efficiency, facilitating the integration of renewable energy technologies and achieving a 15% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025 through strategic partnerships and innovative regulatory frameworks.
Head of Project Implementation and Legal Department
Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency under the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Led project implementation team responsible for renewable energy projects, guiding them from initial financing stages to financial close
- Managed project finance execution including structuring financial packages with multiple International Financial Institutions (IFIs)
- Coordinated with diverse stakeholders including multilateral development banks, export credit agencies, commercial lenders, sponsors, and government entities
- Negotiated and drafted complex finance documentation for energy transition projects with attention to IFI requirements
- Mentored junior team members on project finance fundamentals and best practices for working with IFIs.
- Spearheaded the merger of project implementation and legal strategies, resulting in a comprehensive framework that improved cross-departmental collaboration by 30% and accelerated project timelines by 15%.
Advisor to Deputy Minister of Economy
Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
05.2020 - 04.2022
- Provided strategic advice on project financing aspects of energy and infrastructure investments with particular focus on PPPs
- Contributed to policy development for energy transition projects and international financial cooperation
- Advised on foreign investment strategies, business development transactions and corporate governance frameworks.
Head of Risk Assessment and Methodology Division of Legal Department
Financial Monitoring Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan
02.2020 - 04.2022
- Led risk assessment and regulatory compliance strategies for financial transactions
- Ensured compliance with local and international financial regulations, including anti-money laundering (AML) laws
- Developed frameworks for financial integrity in international project finance structures
- Managed due diligence processes for significant cross-border financial transactions
- Evaluated risk mitigation strategies for project finance deals across multiple jurisdictions.
Adjunct Lecturer
Baku State University
09.2014 - 06.2021
- Served as an Adjunct lecturer for Oil and Gas Contracts, European Private Law and European Union's Institutions' courses to LL.M. students.
Associate
MGB Law Offices
04.2014 - 01.2019
- Advised on financial aspects of M&A transactions in the energy sector, with focus on project finance structures
- Structured acquisition financing for participation interests in energy infrastructure projects
- Provided regular advisory services to Black Sea Trade and Development Bank and World Bank Group on project finance transactions
- Drafted and negotiated term sheets and finance documentation for international energy companies on project financing.
- Facilitated cross-border transactions and joint ventures, ensuring compliance with local and international regulations, which led to the successful closure of $500M in deals across various jurisdictions.
Trainee Lawyer
Court Of Justice Of The European Union
05.2012 - 10.2012
- Conducted comprehensive legal research to support lawyers in developing strong arguments for various cases.
- Developed a keen understanding of various legal areas through exposure to diverse casework.
- Collaborated with senior attorneys for effective case strategy development, driving positive outcomes.
Education
Ph.D. - Private Law
Université De Picardie Jules Verne
Amiens, France01-2027
LL.M. - International Financial and Commercial Law
King's College London
London, United Kingdom 3 2021 - 1 2023
LL.M. - European Law
College of Europe
Bruges, Belgium 08.2017 - 6 2018
Master of International and European Law -
Université De Strasbourg
Strasbourg, France06-2012
Master of European Union Law -
Université De Strasbourg
Strasbourg, France10-2012
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) - International Law
Baku State University
Baku 09.2005 - 6 2009
Skills
- Negotiation of Project Documents and Finance Documentation
- Cross-Border Transaction Management
- Leadership & Team Management
- Renewable energy project planning
- Project Finance Structuring & Origination
Certification
Certificate of INSP - Institut national du service public, INSP, Climate, Energy and Environment: Regulatory Approach of the European Union.
Timeline
Senior Manager Business Development
ACWA Power
07.2024 - 09.2024
Certificate of INSP - Institut national du service public, INSP, Climate, Energy and Environment: Regulatory Approach of the European Union.
06-2023
Deputy Director - Advisor to the Minister of Energy
Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency under the Ministry of Energy
12.2022 - 02.2024
Head of Project Implementation and Legal Department
Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency under the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
06.2022 - 12.2022
Advisor to Deputy Minister of Economy
Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan
05.2020 - 04.2022
Head of Risk Assessment and Methodology Division of Legal Department
Financial Monitoring Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan
02.2020 - 04.2022
Certificate of Hague Academy of International Law - Private International Law Session
08-2017
LL.M. - European Law
College of Europe
08.2017 - 6 2018
Certificate Regional Academy - Transformation Lawyers, Hertie School of Governance, 02/01/17, 03/31/17
03-2017
Adjunct Lecturer
Baku State University
09.2014 - 06.2021
Associate
MGB Law Offices
04.2014 - 01.2019
Trainee Lawyer
Court Of Justice Of The European Union
05.2012 - 10.2012
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) - International Law
Baku State University
09.2005 - 6 2009
Ph.D. - Private Law
Université De Picardie Jules Verne
LL.M. - International Financial and Commercial Law
King's College London
3 2021 - 1 2023
Master of International and European Law -
Université De Strasbourg
Master of European Union Law -
Université De Strasbourg
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