Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR, continues to actively invest in expanding its energy infrastructure in Switzerland, with significant projects planned for the coming years. According to SOCAR’s 2023 Sustainability Report, the company aims to install 100 high-speed electric vehicle charging stations across Switzerland by 2026. SOCAR currently operates 20 such stations, primarily located along major highways and in key areas of Zurich, underscoring its growing commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Green Hydrogen Initiative
As part of its broader environmental goals, SOCAR also plays a key role in an ambitious green hydrogen production project. In partnership with Swiss energy companies Alpiq and EW Hofe, SOCAR Energy Switzerland plans to build a 10-megawatt electrolysis plant in the municipality of Freienbach. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, and once operational, the plant will produce between 1,000 and 1,200 tons of green hydrogen annually. This hydrogen will be transported via pipelines to SOCAR refueling stations, which are planned along the Fuchsberg highway, supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Reducing Greenhouse Gas and Methane Emissions
SOCAR is actively working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a critical challenge in today’s global fight against climate change. The company voluntarily takes steps to cut methane emissions across its entire value chain. SOCAR has joined the international Methane Guiding Principles (MGP) initiative, submitting annual reports on methane emissions, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and sharing best practices. Additionally, SOCAR is a leader in the Advancing Global Methane Reduction (AGMR) initiative, which promotes advanced technology adoption for methane measurement and reduction.
As part of this initiative, SOCAR collaborates with partners such as TotalEnergies to conduct research using drones and satellite systems to measure methane emissions with high precision. These technologies enable SOCAR not only to monitor emissions but also to identify and mitigate their sources. SOCAR is also implementing Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) projects based on carbon credit mechanisms, such as those at the “Oil Rocks” offshore field.
Expansion of Hydrogen and Charging Infrastructure
SOCAR has already launched its first hydrogen refueling station at Grauholz Sud, near Bern, which serves approximately 150 trucks per month. This station marks the company’s first step into the hydrogen fuel market and demonstrates its commitment to clean energy. Furthermore, SOCAR is expanding its electric vehicle charging network to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in Switzerland.
206 Refueling Stations by the End of 2023
SOCAR has successfully reached its goal of increasing the number of refueling stations in Switzerland to 206 by the end of 2023. This expansion includes not only fossil fuels but also more sustainable options, such as hydrogen and electric vehicle charging stations.
International Expansion
Beyond Switzerland, SOCAR continues to expand its global presence. The company remains the sole producer of petroleum products in Azerbaijan and is involved in the exploration, production, and processing of oil, gas, and gas condensate, as well as the marketing of petroleum and petrochemical products domestically and internationally. SOCAR operates three production divisions, one oil refinery, one gas processing plant, and a deepwater platform fabrication yard. The company’s international presence spans countries such as Georgia, Turkey, Romania, Austria, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, the UK, Iran, Germany, and Ukraine, with trading activities in Singapore, Vietnam, and Nigeria.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
In line with its medium- and long-term decarbonization goals announced at COP28 in 2023, SOCAR is committed to reducing methane emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company’s targets include:
- Reducing routine flaring to zero by 2030,
- Cutting upstream emissions intensity by 30% by 2030,
- Achieving near-zero methane emissions in the upstream segment by 2035.
Additionally, SOCAR, in collaboration with Boston Consulting Group (BCG), has launched a two-year Green Lighthouse project to develop low-carbon initiatives and meet its decarbonization goals.
SOCAR’s strategic development plan through 2026 actively supports gas projects, oil refining, and the petrochemical industry, while also rolling out sustainable energy solutions. The company works closely with global partners such as PwC to ensure transparency and foster sustainable growth. Through its ongoing projects and objectives, SOCAR not only strengthens its role as an energy provider in Switzerland but also contributes to global efforts toward a more sustainable future.
