Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR continues to actively invest in expanding its energy infrastructure in Switzerland, with significant projects planned for the coming years. According to SOCAR’s 2023 Sustainability Report, the company aims to install 100 high-speed electric vehicle charging stations across Switzerland by 2026. SOCAR currently operates 20 such stations, primarily located along major highways and in key areas of Zurich, underscoring its growing commitment to sustainable energy.
Green Hydrogen Initiative
As part of its broader environmental goals, SOCAR also plays a key role in an ambitious green hydrogen production project. In partnership with Swiss energy companies Alpiq and EW Hofe, SOCAR Energy Switzerland plans to build a 10-megawatt electrolysis plant in the municipality of Freienbach. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, and once operational, the plant will produce between 1,000 and 1,200 tons of green hydrogen annually. This hydrogen will be transported via pipelines to SOCAR refueling stations, which are planned along the Fuchsberg highway, further supporting the shift to environmentally friendly energy sources.
Expansion of Hydrogen and Charging Infrastructure
SOCAR has already launched its first hydrogen refueling station at Grauholz Sud, near Bern, which serves approximately 150 trucks per month. This station marks the company’s first step into the hydrogen fuel market, demonstrating its commitment to clean energy. Moreover, SOCAR is expanding its electric vehicle charging business to meet growing demand in Switzerland’s eco-conscious market.
206 Refueling Stations by the End of 2023
SOCAR has already achieved its goal of increasing the number of refueling stations in Switzerland to 206 by the end of 2023. This expansion includes not only fossil fuels but also more sustainable options such as hydrogen and electric vehicle charging.
International Expansion
Beyond Switzerland, SOCAR continues to expand its presence globally. The company remains the sole producer of petroleum products in Azerbaijan and is engaged in the exploration, production, and processing of oil, gas, and gas condensate, as well as the marketing of petroleum and petrochemical products both domestically and internationally. SOCAR operates three production divisions, one oil refinery, one gas processing plant, and a deepwater platform fabrication yard. The company’s global presence includes offices in countries such as Georgia, Turkey, Romania, Austria, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, the UK, Iran, Germany, and Ukraine, along with trading activities in Singapore, Vietnam, and Nigeria.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
SOCAR’s strategic development plan through 2026 places significant emphasis on gas projects, oil refining, and the petrochemical industry, alongside the continued rollout of sustainable energy solutions. The company works closely with global partners such as PwC to ensure transparency and growth. As a result, SOCAR is solidifying its role as a leader in the energy transition, blending traditional energy expertise with a forward-looking commitment to sustainability.
Through its ongoing projects and goals, SOCAR is not only strengthening its role as an energy provider in Switzerland but also contributing to global efforts toward a more sustainable future.
