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Azerbaijan plans to expand its existing bus fleet and fully electrify it by 2030.
As Day.Az reported on Wednesday with reference to Trend, the Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan Rashad Nabiyev said this during a high-level round table on the topic “Greening of urban transport”.
“Azerbaijan plans to expand its existing bus fleet and fully electrify it by 2030. As part of the mobility program, several central streets have been closed to cars and given over to pedestrians only. Moreover, in recent years the government has introduced measures including exemptions from VAT and customs duties to encourage the use of environmentally friendly vehicles These intensive incentives have led to a nearly doubling of the share of electric and hybrid vehicles among imported vehicles, raising the figure from 10.5 percent to almost 20 percent of the total,” he said.
Let us recall that on November 11, the opening of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) took place at the Baku Olympic Stadium, which will last until November 22. The event is the largest organized by Azerbaijan to date, and is the first time it is being held in the region in Azerbaijan.
As part of COP29, the highest level event was held on November 12-13 – the summit of world leaders on climate action.
The key expectation from COP29 is to agree on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance.
As well as being a top priority and enabling action, creating climate finance will also contribute to the 1.5°C commitment by bringing everyone together.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is an agreement signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The abbreviation COP (Conference of Parties) translated from English means “Conference of Parties”, this is the highest legislative body that controls the implementation of the Framework Convention on Climate Change.
There are 198 countries that are parties to the Convention. Unless the parties agree otherwise, the COP is held annually. The first COP event took place in March 1995 in Berlin, and its secretariat is located in Bonn.
How is Azerbaijan planning to address the challenges of developing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles?
Title: An Electrifying Future for Urban Transport in Azerbaijan: An Interview with Rashad Nabiyev
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day, everyone! We have the privilege of speaking with Rashad Nabiyev, the Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Nabiyev.
Rashad Nabiyev: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right into it. Azerbaijan has ambitious plans to expand its bus fleet and fully electrify it by 2030. What inspired this significant shift towards electrification in urban transport?
Rashad Nabiyev: The inspiration comes from a dual necessity: environmental responsibility and urban development. We recognize the impact of traditional vehicles on air quality and traffic congestion. By transitioning to electric buses, we aim to not only reduce emissions but also improve the quality of life for our citizens. Urban transport is a crucial part of that vision.
Interviewer: That’s compelling! You mentioned the greening of urban transport. Can you elaborate on what this entails beyond just electrifying the bus fleet?
Rashad Nabiyev: Absolutely! The greening initiative entails various components. We are closing several central streets to vehicular traffic to prioritize pedestrians, creating a more walkable urban environment. We’re also focusing on infrastructure development, such as expanding bicycle lanes and integrating public transport networks. The goal is to develop a holistic approach to sustainable urban mobility.
Interviewer: It sounds like a comprehensive plan. What measures is the government implementing to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, besides the expansion of the bus fleet?
Rashad Nabiyev: We’ve introduced several incentives, including exemptions from VAT and customs duties for electric and hybrid vehicles. These measures have led to a significant increase in the share of electric vehicles among imports. It is essential that both the government and the public embrace the shift towards greener transportation options, and these incentives are a step in that direction.
Interviewer: Doubling the share of electric and hybrid vehicles is no small feat. What challenges do you foresee in achieving your 2030 electrification goal, and how do you plan to overcome them?
Rashad Nabiyev: There will certainly be challenges, such as developing adequate charging infrastructure and ensuring affordability for consumers. We are working closely with various stakeholders, including private companies, to establish a robust network of charging stations. Public awareness campaigns will also play a key role in educating citizens about the benefits of electric vehicles and encouraging their adoption.
Interviewer: It sounds like a collaborative effort! How do you envision the future of urban mobility in Azerbaijan, specifically regarding the social and economic impact of these changes?
Rashad Nabiyev: We envision a future of urban mobility that is not only environmentally sustainable but also economically vibrant. By investing in green transportation, we believe we can create new jobs in sectors related to electric vehicle maintenance, charging stations, and research and development. Moreover, healthier air and reduced traffic congestion will lead to a higher quality of life, attracting more residents and tourists alike.
Interviewer: That’s a fantastic vision! Before we wrap up, is there a message you would like to convey to the citizens of Azerbaijan regarding this transition?
Rashad Nabiyev: Yes, I would like to emphasize that this transition is not just a government initiative but a collective responsibility. We need the active participation of every citizen, and I encourage everyone to embrace these changes. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for our cities.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Nabiyev, for sharing your insights and plans with us today. It’s exciting to see how Azerbaijan is leading the way in sustainable transport.
Rashad Nabiyev: Thank you for having me. It was my pleasure to discuss these important initiatives.