A memorandum on cooperation in decarbonization has been signed between Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Report informs that ADB will provide technical assistance for the implementation of the decarbonization process in railways.

The document was signed by ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov and ADB Director for Transport James Leather.

Rustamov stated that the decarbonization of the transport system, which accounts for 24% of global carbon dioxide emissions, requires a significant transition to rail transport, along with the use of renewable energy sources and alternative fuels.

According to him, rail transport emits significantly less carbon compared to other modes of transport and is considered an environmentally friendly means of transportation: “While a passenger train emits 14 grams of carbon per kilometer, other types of transport emit 10-20 times more carbon dioxide.”

“Regarding Azerbaijan, railway transport accounts for 0.12% of total energy consumption and less than 0.5% of greenhouse gas emissions. In general, Azerbaijan's share in global emissions is around 0.1%, and the volume that Azerbaijan Railways is responsible for is less than 200,000 tons annually,” Rustamov said.