Full Breakdown
Azerbaijan Launches Seawater Desalination Project for Baku and Absheron Peninsula
9/12/2025, 1:34:24 PM
Overview of the Desalination Initiative
A new seawater desalination project has been initiated in Azerbaijan, aimed at enhancing water supply for Baku and the Absheron Peninsula. Zamir Dibirov, Head of the Project Management Department at the Ministry of Economy, announced the project during a panel discussion at Baku Water Week. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address water resource management challenges in the region.
Current Water Resource Challenges
Dibirov highlighted significant inefficiencies in water usage, noting that approximately 50% of water is lost during consumption in Azerbaijan, compared to a global average of 30-40%. The primary causes of these losses are attributed to outdated infrastructure and improper usage. In Azerbaijan, around 70% of water is utilized for agricultural purposes, particularly irrigation. To combat these issues, the government has adopted the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Law in 2022, which facilitates modernization of infrastructure and encourages private sector involvement in water management.
Technological Solutions and Implementation
Barak Graber, Director of International Relations at Israel's national water company Mekorot, discussed the selection of advanced technologies for the desalination project during the 2nd International Water Management Exhibition and Conference. A competitive tender process was conducted by the Ministry of Economy and the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan (ADSEA) to identify optimal technological solutions, ensuring participation from leading desalination providers worldwide. Graber emphasized the importance of defining roles between the public and private sectors to maximize the benefits of water resource management projects.
Importance of Sustainable Practices
The desalination project is expected to improve water supply efficiency and reduce losses, contributing to sustainable water resource management in Azerbaijan. The government plans to approve an annual list of PPP projects to further enhance infrastructure management and ensure timely water supply to the population.
Criticism & Opposition
While the project aims to address critical water shortages, some critics raise concerns about the environmental impact of desalination processes, particularly regarding brine discharge and energy consumption. The balance between technological advancement and environmental sustainability remains a topic of discussion among stakeholders.
Official Statements & Responses
Dibirov stated, "In the coming years, the list of PPP projects will be approved annually by the Cabinet of Ministers, enabling more effective and sustainable water resource management." Graber added, "The government establishes the framework, regulations, and objectives, while the private sector implements advanced technologies and solutions to achieve these goals."
What's Next
As the desalination project progresses, further developments in infrastructure modernization and partnerships with private entities are anticipated. The success of this initiative could serve as a model for similar projects in other regions facing water scarcity challenges.
