On July 17, the Azerigaz Production Union of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Esyaszoft Holding of the United Arab Emirates signed an agreement for the design, installation, and commissioning of a smart gas network in Azerbaijan. According to SOCAR, the primary objective of the project is to enhance operational efficiency in gas distribution, reduce existing gas losses, optimize costs, and improve customer satisfaction through the implementation of advanced smart gas management technologies.

The project is planned to span approximately 14 years and includes the installation of 2.5 million smart meters along with comprehensive system support, with a planned investment of $480 million. Over the course of the project, the network will undergo significant digital transformation through the installation of smart pressure and temperature sensors, the creation of a Digital Solutions Laboratory, employee training in advanced technologies, and facilitation of international knowledge exchange. Additionally, the implementation of artificial intelligence, storage of data in the Government cloud to ensure information security, and establishment of a modern technology-equipped management center are included in the scope.

Consumers are expected to benefit from the initiative through more accurate billing, real-time monitoring of gas consumption, faster issue resolution, remote service capabilities, and improved access to consumption data via digital platforms.