A new clean energy initiative aimed at developing hydrogen technology has been officially launched in Uzbekistan, marking another step in the country’s transition toward renewable energy.

Green hydrogen, renewable integration, and strengthened European Union-Central Asia cooperation are crucial for a just energy transition, according to energy and foreign policy leaders at the second Central Asian Regional Forum on Decarbonization Diplomacy, held on September 16 in Astana.

Shares of Australian mining giant Fortescue Metals Group (FMG.AX) jumped more than 5% on Thursday after the company reported record iron ore shipments for the fourth quarter, beating analyst expectations with lower costs. However, Fortescue also announced it is scrapping its green hydrogen projects in the U.S. and Australia, signaling a strategic shift.

Azerbaijan can diversify Europe’s energy supply through green energy and hydrogen, the country’s Energy Minister, Parviz Shahbazov, said on Wednesday.