bp today presented a modern renewable energy laboratory to the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU), marking a significant step in the company’s support for renewable energy education and skills development in Azerbaijan.
The establishment of the laboratory concludes bp’s $2-million social investment initiative aimed at developing the next generation of national engineers specializing in renewable energy. The initiative commenced with the signing of a Protocol of Intent between bp and the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan in 2021 to cooperate on founding a renewable energy programme at one of the local universities. This was followed by an agreement between bp and ASOIU to establish a new higher education degree in renewable energy, leading to the launch in 2023 of the renewable energy dual degree master’s programme, delivered by ASOIU in partnership with the University of Warwick.
The new laboratory has been established to support teaching, learning and applied research in three key renewable energy fields: solar, wind and hydrogen energy. Equipped with modern experimental and simulation systems, it will enable students, teachers and researchers to conduct practical experiments, perform measurements under controlled conditions, observe energy conversion processes and analyse system performance using specialized software tools.
By providing access to industry-relevant technologies and hands-on learning opportunities, the laboratory will help bridge academic knowledge and real-world energy applications. Its integrated design also supports interdisciplinary learning and research across all three renewable energy fields.
As part of the project, bp also supported the provision of the infrastructure and resources required for the effective operation of the laboratory, including IT equipment, software licences, furniture, health and safety equipment, as well as construction and refurbishment works.
In addition to establishing the renewable energy laboratory and providing the required infrastructure and equipment, bp’s support for the programme has included:
Notes to editors
bp has been present in Azerbaijan for 34 years safely, efficiently and reliably operating major oil and gas exploration, development and transportation projects. To date, together with its co-venturers, bp has invested more than $89 billion into projects it operates in the country. In Azerbaijan, we are committed to supporting sustainability efforts focusing on the areas where we believe we can make the most difference.
bp’s extensive social investment activities and capacity-building efforts in the country have had a positive impact and brought tangible benefits to people, improving their lives and making a difference.
The company’s and its co-venturers’ social investments cover such areas as building local capabilities, education, development of communities, local enterprises, the environment, sporting potential as well as research into and promotion of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Overall, since the start, bp itself and together with its co-venturers in the joint ventures that bp operates in Azerbaijan, has spent more than $115 million on social investment projects in this country.
In Azerbaijan, bp directly employs around 2,363 Azerbaijani citizens who make over 90 per cent of the company’s professional staff.
Tamam Bayatly at bp’s press office in Baku.
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