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Akbar Novruz

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Efforts to improve Azerbaijan’s water resource management, ensure water security, and expand drinking water access have led to a new pilot project focused on desalinating sea water. Initiated by a presidential decree, the project aims to advance socio-economic development by introducing innovative technologies in drinking water production, Azernews reports.

As part of the plan, on February 8, 2024, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy opened a call for investors to participate in designing, building, financing, and managing a desalination plant. Following a qualification assessment, bidding companies submitted proposals, which were unveiled at a recent event in the Ministry of Economy, with Deputy Minister Samad Bashirli and Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency Advisor Asad Shirinov in attendance. They highlighted the project’s significance for water sustainability, especially in addressing the growing demand for fresh water in Baku and the Absheron peninsula.

The planned plant, to be located in Sumgayit, will have an annual production capacity of 100 million m³ of drinking water, using advanced "Reverse Osmosis" desalination technology. This capacity aims to support the population and economic needs as the demand for drinking water rises. The project’s public-private partnership model, following international practices in regions affected by drought and water shortages, seeks to reduce financial burdens on the state, promote international technology transfer, and boost Azerbaijan's economy.

As global climate challenges persist, Azerbaijan’s desalination project represents a proactive approach to safeguarding and diversifying water sources, aiming to set a precedent for sustainable water management across the region.