Masdar unveils comprehensive plan to decarbonise Azerbaijan Railways

Masdar, an energy company in the United Arab Emirates, has identified decarbonization opportunities for Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) through joint research efforts. 

The findings were announced by Murad Sadigov, Masdar's country representative in Azerbaijan, during the "Towards a Sustainable Future with Transport Corridors: Railways in Climate Policy" event held as part of COP29, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Sadigov highlighted that Masdar and ADY are in the research phase and plan to begin phased decarbonization of rolling stock and freight logistics. This initiative marks the first step in their collaboration towards a more sustainable transport sector.

Additionally, Sadigov discussed Azerbaijan's broader clean energy goals, aiming for up to 10 gigawatts of renewable energy production. Contracts have been signed for projects totalling 1 gigawatt, including two solar plants with a combined capacity of 760 megawatts and a wind power project of 240 megawatts. Agreements for additional funding were also secured during COP29.

These efforts, Sadigov emphasized, align with Azerbaijan's climate resilience strategy and its goals for sustainable development in the transport sector.

Masdar is actively engaged in a range of renewable energy projects and collaborations in Azerbaijan. The collaboration between Azerbaijan and Masdar, a UAE-based clean energy company, has resulted in significant advancements in renewable energy projects. Masdar has been instrumental in the development of Azerbaijan's green energy infrastructure, contributing to the country's goal of generating 30% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Key achievements include the 230 MW Garadagh Solar Park, the largest operational solar plant in the region, inaugurated in October 2023. This project is Masdar's first in Azerbaijan and is co-financed by multiple international organizations. It is expected to generate 500 GWh of electricity annually, reducing carbon emissions by over 200,000 tonnes and supplying power to over 110,000 homes.

By Khagan Isayev