BAKU—The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) is intensifying its search for effective strategies to reduce emissions, emphasizing its dedication to sustainable energy practices, according to SOCAR Deputy Vice President for Energy Transition, Environment, and Decarbonization, Teymur Guliyev.

According to Trend News Agency, during his remarks at the 12th International Caspian Energy Forum in Baku, Guliyev outlined SOCAR’s proactive measures initiated two years ago under the leadership’s directive to embrace green energy solutions. “While SOCAR has long been recognized as an oil and gas company, there is now a global trend toward energy transition, and many leading firms have shifted their focus to sustainable energy. In light of these developments, SOCAR commenced these efforts ahead of COP28,” Guliyev explained.

The transition has not been without its challenges, particularly noted was the shortage of specialists in green energy and decarbonization within Azerbaijan. At COP28, SOCAR first publicly announced its decarbonization goals, setting a company-wide target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Guliyev further detailed the steps being taken to meet this ambitious goal, including the establishment of ‘SOCAR Green,’ a dedicated entity to oversee the development and implementation of green energy projects across the company’s operations.