bp unveils groundbreaking solution to secure power supply at Sangachal Terminal

Senior Financial Manager for bp in the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Türkiye (AGT) region Ayla Azizova has said that bp is pioneering a new synchronous technical solution to boost the reliability of the electricity supply at its Sangachal Terminal and mitigate risks posed by power grid disruptions.

Azizova revealed the development during a recent event titled "Innovative Paths to a Greener Future: Renewable Energy Sources and Emissions Reduction." The event focused on advancing sustainable energy solutions and reducing emissions, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

She highlighted the challenge of transitioning from the current gas turbine system, which powers the terminal, to external electricity sources. She emphasised that the shift requires implementing robust new systems to ensure the continuous, reliable operation of the facility.

"We are implementing flagship solutions, especially in terms of connecting to the national power grid," Azizova said.

"The key question is: What happens if the power supply is interrupted? Will the terminal stop working? To prevent this, we are applying a multi-level approach to ensure reliability," she added. 

The first level of reliability, Azizova explained, involves adopting the N-2 principle. This means the terminal will be connected to two independent power transmission lines, one of which will always act as a backup. If one line fails or requires maintenance, the second line will automatically take over the load, ensuring uninterrupted service. Additionally, bp plans to introduce a synchronous solution to address short-term power system disruptions. 

Azizova explained, "If there are voltage spikes or drops in the grid, a rapid-response reserve will automatically activate. This reserve ensures the system operates smoothly for several milliseconds until the main power source is restored, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply even during brief interruptions."

bp has had a presence in Azerbaijan for 30 years and is the country’s largest foreign investor. The company is dedicated to continuing collaborative energy projects with Azerbaijan in the coming decades, concentrating regional operations on key assets and developments with substantial growth potential.

In the Caspian region, Azerbaijan is the cornerstone of operations, and bp considers it a key energy partner and a vital driver of regional growth. bp currently operates two of the world's most significant fields: the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil field and the Shah Deniz gas field. Both fields are supported by world-class assets and infrastructure, directly linked to local and international markets through an extensive export system. This includes a sophisticated subsea pipeline network connected to the Sangachal terminal, one of the largest onshore oil and gas terminals globally. Additionally, there are three export pipelines stretching 3,300 km, linking to marine export systems in the Black and Mediterranean Seas, as well as a new gas export system developed as part of the Shah Deniz 2 project, delivering gas to Türkiye and onward to Europe.

By Naila Huseynova