Energy Transition Applications

Greenhouse gas emissions from using fossil fuels to meet energy needs, including CO2, are considered the most significant cause of global warming. The concept of energy transition means diversifying energy generation methods and developing technologies that use renewable resources rather than oil, natural gas, and coal. At SOCAR R&D and Innovation, we conduct research and development in various areas and levels rather than focusing on a single solution to contribute to the energy transition. We design, test, and research materials to support chemical production processes based on fossil fuels as energy sources using concentrated solar energy systems.

We strive to make a difference in energy transformation by applying the knowledge and experience we have gained in partnership with the leading universities of Türkiye to our industrial processes. Our NEFERTITI project has been awarded funding from the Horizon 2020 program. In this project, we are working with leading international researchers to design, produce, and implement an artificial photosynthetic system to produce valuable chemicals from carbon dioxide and water using concentrated solar energy alone. In our catalytic reaction project, which we carry out with an international partner, using solar energy, we design the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production process with the help of algae. In another project in partnership with the university, we prevent greenhouse gas emissions by performing electrochemical processes and feeding them with renewable energy systems instead of producing them with conventional thermochemical methods. This improves the efficacy and selectivity of the reaction.

A further important element of the energy transition is the production and use of new energy carriers. Hydrogen gas is significant in this respect because it has a high energy transport capacity and does not emit greenhouse gases when used as a fuel. With support from electrolysis technologies and renewable energy systems, producing this precious "green" energy carrier using water as raw material is possible. In another project we carry out with one of Türkiye’s leading universities, we concentrate on electrolysis systems and participate in designing and producing the components necessary for hydrogen's "green" production. Hydrogen production methods, whose primary input is fossil fuels, also play an essential role in the energy transition. These reactions, which traditionally require a great deal of energy, allow hydrogen to be produced at a large scale. SOCAR R&D conducts studies in partnership with universities to support such reactions with highly selective and eco-friendly catalysts and renewable energy systems.