Baker Hughes, a leader in energy technology, has announced the signing of a contract with SOCAR for the deployment of an advanced integrated gas recovery and hydrogen sulfide removal system. This initiative is set to significantly reduce downstream flaring at SOCAR’s Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery located in Baku, Azerbaijan. The signing took place during COP29 in Baku, attended by Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli and SOCAR president Rovshan Najaf.
This collaboration underscores Azerbaijan’s commitment to global climate pledges, including the Global Methane Pledge and the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter under the COP28 presidency, which calls for an end to routine flaring by 2030. Leveraging Baker Hughes’ established emissions abatement technologies, the project aims to recover up to 7 million Nm³ of methane annually and cut CO2 emissions by up to 11,000 tons per year.
The solution from Baker Hughes will integrate seamlessly with the existing infrastructure at the Heydar Aliyev Oil Refinery. This innovative system is designed to capture methane and sulfur emissions while removing hazardous H2S from the refinery site. The recovered gas, which would have otherwise been flared, will be repurposed as fuel, thus lowering overall fuel gas consumption and operational costs, contributing to enhanced efficiency and new value opportunities.
Lorenzo Simonelli emphasised the urgency of emissions reduction, stating, “We must reduce emissions by 45 percent this decade to put us on the right path to reach net zero by 2050. The industry has an imperative to act now, and we can do it with existing technology solutions that can be deployed today. This award is a testament to our companies’ shared commitment to act on emissions abatement and represents another significant milestone in Baker Hughes’ journey to help customers drive more sustainable and efficient operations.”
Rovshan Najaf, president of SOCAR, highlighted the importance of this partnership, saying, “Our collaboration with Baker Hughes reflects SOCAR’s commitment to advancing sustainable operations and reducing emissions across our sites. By launching this project, we are making a tangible impact on emissions abatement and setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility. This initiative aligns with our vision for a cleaner, more efficient energy future, supporting our commitment to climate goals.”
The swift progression from project conception to contract signing within just nine months underscores the dedication of both companies to prompt and effective action. Project execution is set to begin immediately, with full commissioning expected within the next 24 months.
This gas recovery and H2S removal system exemplifies Baker Hughes’ robust portfolio of emissions abatement solutions, designed to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and deliver increased value at scale for clients around the globe.
For more information visit www.bakerhughes.com
