Baku: Azerbaijan's national energy company SOCAR has successfully turned its sole carbamide plant into a global industry leader, utilizing artificial intelligence to spearhead its transformation. According to Azeri-Press News Agency, SOCAR's journey towards digitalization began with a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing its operations and strengthening its non-oil industries, as part of its broader 2035 strategy to shift from hydrocarbon dependence to digital-led competitiveness.
SOCAR, recognized as one of the largest energy companies in Eurasia, partnered with McKinsey to digitally transform the SOCAR Carbamide plant, which produces critical agricultural inputs such as ammonia and urea. The transformation involved a 2.5-year program that began in 2023, to increase output, improve gas efficiency, and cultivate talent. SOCAR's leadership was committed to making the plant a digital leader in the industry, aligning all levels of the organization to ensure continuous support and integration of digital solutions.
The transformation saw the development of 42 in-house digital and AI solutions, with SOCAR and McKinsey's AI arm QuantumBlack leading the charge. Notably, the implementation of EnergyAI, a no-code energy network optimization tool, improved natural gas efficiency by 24 percent. Additionally, an AI-based production variability optimization engine increased throughput by 21 percent, demonstrating significant operational impact.
SOCAR's commitment to building digital capabilities extended beyond the plant. The company established the Caspian AI Institute, a hub dedicated to advancing AI solutions within the energy industry. This institute has already developed over 30 AI products and 15 AI research patents, furthering SOCAR's industrial AI capabilities.
In January 2026, the World Economic Forum recognized SOCAR Carbamide's achievements by admitting it into the Global Lighthouse Network, marking it as a model of excellence in combining advanced technologies with leadership and workforce development. This accolade highlights SOCAR Carbamide's role as a global industrial AI champion and the first urea fertilizer facility to receive such recognition.
SOCAR Carbamide's transformation not only ensures 100 percent coverage of domestic nitrogen fertilizer demand but also significantly contributes to Azerbaijan's non-oil export revenue. This milestone for SOCAR reflects its potential to lead Azerbaijan's industrial future through local talent, strong leadership, and ambitious global strategies.