The European Union is making significant financial commitments to enhance urban infrastructure in Ganja, focusing on waste management and street lighting improvements. These initiatives include loans and grants aimed at boosting environmental sustainability and energy efficiency in the Azerbaijani city.
One of the primary projects targets solid waste management. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of 10 million euros, complemented by a 4.1 million euro grant from the EU. This funding will facilitate the acquisition of specialized waste collection vehicles and containers. In addition, an automated vehicle tracking system and a smart waste collection network are set to be launched, promising more efficient and technologically advanced urban sanitation services.
Another key investment is dedicated to upgrading Ganja’s street lighting system. A 12.5 million euro loan from the EBRD, along with a 2.5 million euro EU grant, supports the installation of new energy-saving LED lights across city streets. The project also includes the deployment of automated control and monitoring technologies, which aim to lower the city’s overall energy consumption and costs.
Furthermore, Ganja is participating in the Green Cities Program as the first Azerbaijani city to join this initiative. The EU is awarding a grant of approximately 1.5 million euros to develop Ganja’s Green City Action Plan, which outlines strategies for sustainable urban growth and environmental protection.