Expertise: Energy Efficiency Expert (Water Sector)
Expertise Group: Engineering
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: energy efficiency, decarbonization, or utility-scale energy optimization, with strong exposure to the water sector
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The assignment aims to support the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency (ASWRA) in designing a
comprehensive and implementable decarbonization program for water supply and wastewater services. The
assignment will assess current energy use, carbon emissions, and operational practices across ASWRA
facilities and identify cost-effective pathways to reduce energy consumption, increase efficiency, and
integrate clean and renewable energy solutions. Through a combination of energy audits, energy
efficiency assessments, renewable energy and storage evaluations, and strategic advisory support, the
assignment will identify priority decarbonization measures across pumping stations, treatment plants,
and network operations. It will develop a phased roadmap and investment pipeline that aligns technical
solutions with institutional capacity, regulatory conditions, and financing options. The assignment will
position water utility decarbonization as a core component of Azerbaijan’s climate and energy transition
by reducing operational costs, improving energy security and resilience, lowering greenhouse gas
emissions, and enhancing the sustainability of water services. The outputs will support informed
decision-making by ASWRA and the government for future ADB-supported investments, PPPs, or climate
finance mobilization in the water sector.
Scope of Work
The expert will provide comprehensive technical leadership on preparing ASWRA energy efficiency and
decarbonization program and solutions specific to water and wastewater utilities. The expert will be
responsible for decarbonization program preparation working closely with other team members to ensure
audit findings are effectively translated into policy-relevant and investment-ready recommendations.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Outputs
The expert will:
• Review energy audit findings and validate proposed efficiency and decarbonization measures.
• Benchmark ASWRA’s energy performance against at least 5 international water utility best practices.
• Identify priority energy efficiency technologies and operational measures for water and wastewater
systems (e.g., advanced pumping systems, process optimization, automation, AI-powered management
platforms).
• Assess opportunities for integrating renewable energy into ASWA operations.
• Develop a phased ASWRA decarbonization program, including short-, medium-, and long-term actions.
• Estimate indicative investment costs, energy savings, emissions reductions for priority measures.
• Identify institutional, regulatory, and financing considerations affecting implementation.
• Support preparation of a prioritized investment pipeline suitable for sovereign and non-sovereign
financing, including PPP potential where relevant.
• Contribute to stakeholder consultations and capacity-building sessions with ASWRA and relevant
ministries.
• Provide input to final reports and presentations for government and ADB project team.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Qualification Requirements
• Advanced degree (minimum Master’s) in energy engineering, environmental engineering, water
engineering, or a related field.
• At least 15 years of professional experience in energy efficiency, decarbonization, or utility-scale
energy optimization, with strong exposure to the water sector.
• Demonstrated experience advising water utilities or governments on energy efficiency and low-carbon
strategies.
• Familiarity with MDB-financed water or energy projects is strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.
• Experience in emerging markets is an advantage.
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 15 Years
