11:18 - 5.12.2025

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December 5, Fineko/abc.az. Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) reduced natural gas consumption by about 50% in 2024.

ABC.AZ reports, quoting ADY chairman Rovshan Rustamov, as saying this at the presentation of the decarbonization project.

According to Rutamov, cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) plays the key role in promoting environmental initiatives.

"ADB has been our reliable partner in many areas, and today we are taking this collaboration to a new, transformational level. ADY is proud to be the first state-owned railway company in the Caucasus and Central Asian regions to work with ADB on a comprehensive decarbonization program. We’ve already prepared the ADY decarbonization policy and framework strategy, ensuring their compliance with national development strategies, ADY 2030 Strategic Directions, the Paris Agreement and global sustainability standards. Now we are moving on to the practical stage of implementation," he said.

Rustamov noted that the project includes development of a structured investment program for development of renewable energy in country's railway sector.

"In addition to the technical part, the study will cover financial, economic, environmental and social aspects so that the project is both effective and sustainable," he stressed.

The head of ADY pointed out that the initiative is being implemented at a time when Azerbaijan is strengthening its role as an important transport hub in the East–West and North–South directions.

"As freight traffic volumes along the Middle Corridor and the North-South route grow, the competitiveness of the railway system directly depends on its efficiency, reliability and reduction of environmental impacts. Decarbonization enhances all three components," Rustamov said.

The ADY chair spoke about the results achieved: "Over the past year, we have reduced natural gas consumption by almost 50%. Nearly 63% of our railway network has already been electrified. More than 650 solar panels have been installed in depots in Balajary and Ganja, which produce over 132,000 kWh of clean energy per year, which is about 70% more than in 2023."