“The oil and gas sector is undergoing significant changes, driven by a focus on sustainability and innovation.” This is highlighted by Elchin Ibadov, CEO of SOCAR Türkiye Enerji, who identifies the implementation of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies in refining and petrochemical processes as a key direction. These advanced technologies not only help significantly reduce CO₂ emissions but also allow for its transformation into valuable products, such as synthetic fuels and chemical compounds. This revolutionary approach combines profitability with environmental care. SOCAR Türkiye is actively exploring and adopting these solutions, solidifying its position as a leader in its sector and the largest foreign investor in Türkiye.
Since the beginning of its operations, SOCAR Türkiye has invested $18.5 billion over the past 17 years. These investments have not only established the company as a major player in Türkiye’s energy market but also facilitated the realization of large-scale infrastructure projects, including the development of gas distribution networks in the Bursa and Kayseri regions. With $209 million already invested, the total network length has exceeded 14,000 kilometers, providing natural gas access to millions. At the same time, SOCAR Türkiye creates jobs for over 10,000 people, significantly strengthening Türkiye’s labor market.
The company places particular emphasis on prospective investments in the petrochemical sector. A recently announced $7 billion project envisions the construction of new production facilities and the modernization of existing ones. This project forms part of the company’s long-term growth and development strategy, aligned with its focus on sustainability. Under the “Master Plan,” initial design stages have been completed, with the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase expected to conclude by the end of 2026. These efforts will define the core parameters of future investments, including equipment selection and supplier countries, which will shape the subsequent financing strategy.
SOCAR Türkiye is also actively advancing technologies for the production of environmentally friendly aviation fuel. Research in this area includes innovative sources such as algae and recycled household oils. The production of such fuels will be a major step toward reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. A deal has already been reached to supply 700,000 tons of aviation fuel annually to meet Istanbul Airport’s needs starting in 2025. This strategic partnership underscores SOCAR Türkiye’s importance in ensuring energy security and sustainable development in Türkiye’s transportation sector.
Significant attention is also being devoted to the development of STAR Refinery, one of the company’s key assets. Recent modernization efforts have increased crude oil processing capacity at the facility by 2.5%, enabling the refinery to process over 13 million tons of raw materials annually. This growth not only strengthens SOCAR Türkiye’s market position but also helps meet the country’s rising energy demands. Additionally, the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), another strategic project of the company, has already transported 73 billion cubic meters of natural gas, with 30 billion cubic meters retained in Türkiye for domestic needs, while the remainder has been exported to Europe.
SOCAR Türkiye continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. Under Elchin Ibadov’s leadership, the company successfully combines strategic investments with the implementation of advanced technologies, positioning itself as a key player in the transformation of the energy sector. Through these efforts, refining has become not just a production process but a vital tool for ensuring a sustainable future, balancing economic efficiency with care for the environment.
