In an era where environmental concerns dominate global discussions, the transportation sector finds itself at a critical juncture. Railway transport, renowned for its eco-friendliness, stands out as a beacon of hope in the quest for greener mobility solutions.
Today, railways account for an impressive 40% of passenger traffic while contributing a mere 2% to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the use of diesel locomotives still results in the production of harmful substances like NOx, SO2, and particulate matter, posing risks to both human health and the environment.
Azerbaijan, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, is taking bold strides to address these challenges. The country is actively implementing innovative projects to modernize and "green" its railway network, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.
One of the cornerstone initiatives in Azerbaijan's railway transformation is the transition to electric traction. By electrifying its rail lines, the country can replace diesel locomotives with electric ones, significantly reducing emissions and environmental impact.
Electric trains are not only cleaner but also more energy-efficient. Thanks to their aerodynamic design and optimized window layout, they require less energy to transport passengers and cargo compared to other modes of transportation.
Global inspirations: Green railways around the world
Many countries around the world are already demonstrating the benefits of green railways. In Latvia, the scenic route over the bridge over the Gauja River and the 30-kilometer Riga-Talsi road through forests and meadows have become shining examples of environmentally friendly rail transport.
The Swiss Federal Railways, which operate hydroelectric locomotives, and the Dutch railways, which aim to become carbon neutral by 2030 and invest in electric locomotives and biodiesel, are examples to follow.
German railways are actively using electric locomotives and are modernizing their infrastructure to improve energy efficiency. Russia is implementing the Green Railway project, aimed at landscaping the railway right-of-way, planting trees and shrubs, and creating meadows.
In India, the Greening of Railways initiative aims to plant 10 million trees along railway lines.
In addition to electric traction, other “green” technologies are being introduced on global railways. Among them are regenerative braking, which allows returning braking energy back to the network, energy-saving lighting, which involves replacing incandescent lamps with LED ones. In addition, eco-bridges are being erected that allow water flows to pass underneath them and do not interfere with the migration of animals.
The path to clean traction
As the world grapples with climate change, Azerbaijan is paving the way for a greener future by introducing renewable energy sources into its railway industry.
The experience of other countries such as France, the Netherlands and the UK, where solar panels are used along railway lines, inspires Azerbaijan. After all, solar panels installed at stations and cars can power lighting, provide air conditioning and other systems.
For the first time in the railway infrastructure of Azerbaijan, solar energy was used to power traction substations in 2015, when the Baku-Khirdalan-Sumgait section was put into operation after reconstruction.
The next step was to equip locomotive depots with solar panels. Hundreds of panels have been installed in the Balajar and Ganja depots, which not only provide electricity, but also solve heating problems.
Azerbaijan has ideal climatic conditions for the use of solar energy. The number of sunshine hours in the country is 2,400 - 3,200 per year, making it one of the sunniest countries in the world.
In addition to the sun, Azerbaijan also has the potential to harness wind energy. Wind farms built along railroad tracks can generate electricity for trains. The most promising regions in this regard are the Absheron Peninsula, the coastal strip of the Caspian Sea and the islands in its northwestern part, the Ganja-Dashkasan zone and Sharur-Julfa in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. This type of energy is the most profitable to use in terms of cost, environmental friendliness and inexhaustibility. Along with this, the construction of wind turbines takes less time than the construction of traditional power plants.
In 2022, a memorandum was signed between Azerbaijan Railways CJSC and Masdar from the UAE, aimed at exploring the possibilities of using renewable energy sources in the railway sector and implementing a comprehensive energy efficiency program.
In turn, the government has already entered into contracts with Masdar for a total capacity of about 10 GW of solar and wind energy. By the way, the first industrial-scale solar power plant - the Garadagh solar power plant (with a capacity of 230 MW), considered the largest in the Caspian region and the CIS, was built in Azerbaijan by Masdar. It opened in October 2023.
The railway infrastructure passing through the territories of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur liberated from occupation, as well as Nakhchivan, will also be powered by renewable energy sources, as they have been declared “green” energy zones. The Goradiz-Agband and Barda-Agdam railway lines are already being built on the territory of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur. They are part of the Zangazur corridor, which will connect the main part of Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan and create a new transport connection with Türkiye.
By the way, during the construction of new railway lines in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, great attention is paid to environmental protection issues.
In particular, a forest belt was laid on the 85th kilometer of the Goradiz-Agband line, near the Minjivan station. In order not to damage it, the trees were replanted in agreement with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, that is, the harm to the environment was minimized.
In general, trees are planted en masse along the railways on both sides of the embankments. In particular, Eldar pines and cypresses were planted as part of the Barda-Agdam branch project. Not only is this good for the environment, trees also act as a noise barrier. Landscaping of the territory is a condition for all performers (contractors) of work. Trees are planted at the end of the work to avoid damaging them and to provide a proper watering system for them.
Every watt counts
In a world increasingly conscious of environmental impact, Azerbaijan Railways is emerging as a maestro of change, skillfully conducting a symphony of sustainability across its vast network. Like a virtuoso translating complex musical scores, this forward-thinking organization is transforming the thunderous roar of steel locomotives into a harmonious melody of ecological responsibility.
In perfect alignment with Azerbaijan's national green growth priorities, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC is penning an inspiring new chapter in the country's transportation history. The company's bold initiative to transition to alternating current in key sections of the strategically vital East-West and North-South international transport corridors is far more than a mere modernization effort. It represents a quantum leap towards improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. New traction substations will save up to 30% of electricity.
But this is only an overture. The winds of change are blowing through Azerbaijan's railway system, and the first notes of this grand symphony of progress are resonating from the Balajar and Ganja locomotive depots. Like the sun's rays breaking through the morning mist, these initial developments herald a new dawn for the country's transportation infrastructure. For the purpose of technical inspection and repair of locomotives operating on alternating current, 147 solar panels with a capacity of 66 kW were installed at the Balajar locomotive depot, and 160 solar panels for heating were also installed. 210 solar panels with a capacity of 66 kW and 140 solar panels for heating were installed at the Ganja locomotive depot.
In addition, as part of a technical assistance project supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, an analysis was carried out in 2019 on priority investment plans for electricity management and commercialization, energy efficiency and renewable energy production.
Together with the Asian Development Bank, Azerbaijan Railways is optimizing train routes and schedules as part of ensuring energy efficiency.
The measures taken are only the first steps towards decarbonization of the railway industry in Azerbaijan.
Achieving more ambitious goals will require comprehensive solutions that include modernizing infrastructure, introducing innovative technologies, as well as changes in approaches to management and logistics.
But Azerbaijan does not stop there. The country is investing in developing innovative solutions for green railways. Research is being conducted in the areas of hydrogen fuel, energy-saving materials and intelligent control systems.
"Green" Middle corridor
Azerbaijan is taking bold steps to revolutionize its transportation sector. The country is not acting alone but collaborating with its neighbors to create a greener future for regional transport corridors. At the heart of this transformation lies the Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This ambitious project spans from China through Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea, through Azerbaijan and Georgia, and onward to Türkiye and Europe. It offers a cleaner alternative to traditional routes passing through Russia, positioning itself as a key player in sustainable global trade.
Azerbaijan is making significant investments in railway electrification using renewable energy sources. This initiative not only reduces carbon emissions but also increases the efficiency of the transport network. The country is also developing "green" terminals along the Middle Corridor, implementing energy-saving technologies and utilizing environmentally friendly materials and vehicles.
To incentivize the adoption of green cargo transportation, Azerbaijan is offering benefits and preferences to companies using eco-friendly technologies. This strategy aims to make the Middle Corridor more attractive to environmentally conscious businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
The country's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the transport sector. Azerbaijan plans to create a green Caspian-EU energy corridor and an Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe corridor by 2030, with the ambitious goal of exporting about 5 GW of green electricity through diversified routes.
Azerbaijan’s potential for economically viable and technically accessible renewable energy sources is enormous and is estimated at 26,940 MW, including 3,000 MW for wind energy, 23,040 MW for solar energy, 380 MW for bioenergy potential, 520 MW for mining potential. rec. This confirms the fact that with the expansion of electricity production from renewable sources in the country, the process of “greening” the railway infrastructure will also accelerate.
The impact of Azerbaijan's green initiatives extends far beyond environmental benefits. This shift towards sustainability is expected to create new jobs, stimulate related industries, and improve air quality. Moreover, the "green" image of Azerbaijan's railway system is likely to increase its appeal to investors and passengers, strengthening the country's position in the international transport services market.
By embracing sustainable practices in its transport sector, Azerbaijan is not just creating a cleaner future for itself but setting a precedent for other countries in the region and beyond.
This article was prepared as part of a competition of environmental initiatives held by Azerbaijan Railways CJSC and the Azerbaijan Press Council.