The Caspian Energy Centre at the Sangachal terminal near Baku, which opens on 25th May by President Aliyev, is a new venture created to tell the story of Caspian oil and gas wealth to future generations of Azerbaijan.
The Centre houses interactive displays, presentations and educational programmes which explain how energy sources are unlocked by human endeavour. With exhibits created by the London Science Museum, it offers a multimedia experience of the history of oil and gas exploration and its future benefits; the technological challenges that have been overcome and an understanding of how this is done responsibly—all set in the cultural context of the region.
Funded by BP and its partners, the Centre also celebrates the local, national and international collaboration in the development and export of energy resources. It focuses on the story of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil field development and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project; and the Shah Deniz gas field development and its export route—the South Caucasus Pipeline.
The facility, which is the region’s first on such a scale, has a strong educational component and is aimed especially at children. “The Centre is principally for young Azerbaijanis: a generation which will, we hope, gain the tremendous benefits which the oil and gas wealth of the Caspian Sea will bring to this country,” said David Woodward, BP Azerbaijan Associate President.
The Centre comprises a main exhibition building, a reception area, supporting services including classrooms and hospitality rooms. Outside is a sanctuary for spur-thighed tortoises; a mosaic wall designed by local artist Huseyn Hagverdi and built by local craftsmen; a terrace and temporary exhibition areas. It is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.