ADB ready to provide Azerbaijan with up to $1B loan for metro development - EXCLUSIVE

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is ready to provide Azerbaijan with a loan of up to $1 billion for the development of Baku Metro, the ADB told Report.

The bank emphasized that the goal of the project is to create a smart and sustainable urban transport of the future.

The bank noted that the loan is expected to be part of a larger investment program worth $2 billion.

"The proposed technical assistance (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," the bank noted.

According to ADB, the Baku Metro plays a key role in creating a low-carbon, inclusive and efficient urban transport network.

In May of this year, Baku Metro CJSC and the ADB agreed to develop a new concept of cooperation in three key areas: ensuring energy efficiency, efficient operation of infrastructure, and the introduction of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making.

By the end of 2025, it is planned to begin jointly implementing a number of activities aimed at developing a feasibility study and implementing projects using international experience and expertise.

Azerbaijan has been a member of ADB since 1999. During this period, the bank has provided the country with more than $5 billion in loans, including $1.5 billion for transport projects and $1.7 billion for energy projects. The parties are currently discussing the bank's new Partnership Strategy with Azerbaijan for 2025-2029.