bp today presented a modern renewable energy laboratory to the
Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU), marking a
significant step in the company’s support for renewable energy
education and skills development in Azerbaijan.


The establishment of the laboratory concludes bp’s $2-million
social investment initiative aimed at developing the next
generation of national engineers specializing in renewable energy.
The initiative commenced with the signing of a Protocol of Intent
between bp and the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan
in 2021 to cooperate on founding a renewable energy programme at
one of the local universities. This was followed by an agreement
between bp and ASOIU to establish a new higher education degree in
renewable energy, leading to the launch in 2023 of the renewable
energy dual degree master’s programme, delivered by ASOIU in
partnership with the University of Warwick.


The new laboratory has been established to support teaching,
learning and applied research in three key renewable energy fields:
solar, wind and hydrogen energy. Equipped with modern experimental
and simulation systems, it will enable students, teachers and
researchers to conduct practical experiments, perform measurements
under controlled conditions, observe energy conversion processes
and analyse system performance using specialized software
tools.


By providing access to industry-relevant technologies and
hands-on learning opportunities, the laboratory will help bridge
academic knowledge and real-world energy applications. Its
integrated design also supports interdisciplinary learning and
research across all three renewable energy fields.







As part of the project, bp also supported the provision of the
infrastructure and resources required for the effective operation
of the laboratory, including IT equipment, software licences,
furniture, health and safety equipment, as well as construction and
refurbishment works.


Speaking at the opening ceremony, Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli OBE, bp
vice president for the Caspian, Central Asia and Türkiye region,
said: “Developing the skills and capabilities needed for the energy
systems of the future requires investment in both people and
educational infrastructure. Through our support for the renewable
energy master's programme and the establishment of this laboratory
at ASOIU, we aim to help students and researchers gain practical
experience with technologies that are increasingly important to the
evolving energy sector. We hope these efforts will help expand
local renewable energy expertise, strengthen research and teaching
capabilities, and contribute to preparing highly qualified
professionals to support Azerbaijan’s energy transition.”


In addition to establishing the renewable energy laboratory and
providing the required infrastructure and equipment, bp’s support
for the programme has included:



  • Capacity-building and faculty development activities aimed at
    strengthening local academic expertise, including English language
    training for 45 members of the academic staff of ASOIU and
    knowledge-exchange opportunities with the University of
    Warwick.

  • Support for the programme’s first and second cohorts,
    comprising 70 students in total, including the participation of
    visiting professors and opportunities for ASOIU students to attend
    a summer school programme in the UK.