📋 Tender Overview
Project Name
Republic of Azerbaijan: Decarbonizing Baku Metro for a Smart and Sustainable Urban Transit Future
Project Number
59165-001
Country / Economy
Azerbaijan
Project Status
Proposed
Project Type / Modality of Assistance
Technical Assistance
Source of Funding / Amount
Sector / Subsector
Energy / Energy efficiency and conservation
Transport / Urban public transport
Gender
Some gender elements
Description
The proposed TA will support the modernization of Baku Metro by promoting energy efficiency and the use of clean energy technologies. It will assess opportunities for infrastructure upgrades to reduce energy consumption and operational costs, while integrating renewable energy solutions such as solar power and battery energy storage system (BESS). The TA will also explore the deployment of smart energy management systems and applications to optimize performance, including predictive maintenance and, advanced data analytics. This TA will complement Asian Development Bank's (ADB) broader engagement with Baku Metro.
Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy
Baku Metro plays a central role in shaping a low-carbon, inclusive and efficient urban transport network. As the backbone of Baku's public transport system, it offers a climate-friendly alternative to private and road-based transport. Operating since 1967, Baku Metro runs three lines covering approximately 41 kilometers and 27 stations, with daily ridership reaching around 630,000 passengers in 2024. As Azerbaijan's electricity mix remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, the metro's growing energy demand, projected to support over 1 million daily riders by 2035, poses increasing energy sustainability challenges. The Government of Azerbaijan has committed an estimated $2.5 billion to support the network's expansion to five lines totaling 120 kilometers and 76 stations, alongside major power infrastructure upgrades. To ensure the sustainability of this investment, Baku Metro requires targeted TA to design and implement decarbonization strategies, prioritizing energy efficiency, and renewable energy integration. While metros, in general, generate relatively low emissions compared to road-based transport systems, operational emissions such as electricity consumption for train propulsion, lighting, and ventilation, contribute about 35% to its life cycle emissions. Decarbonizing Baku Metro operations will demonstrate the company's commitment to help Azerbaijan achieve its nationally determined contributions (NDC) and will provide regulatory and financial incentives. It will help Baku Metro meet the international standards and best practices. Decarbonizing the metro operation also means increased business efficiency and reducing operational costs.
