BP plans 'Train the Trainers' renewable energy program in Azerbaijan

BP plans to announce a new "Train the Trainers" program in cooperation with the Solar Energy Institute, which operates in eight countries including Germany, Report informs.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, BP's Vice President for the Caspian region, Central Asia and Türkiye, made the announcement at the opening of a modern renewable energy laboratory at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (ASOIU).

Aslanbayli said the project dates back to 2020, when renewable energy became one of the key areas of BP's strategy and discussions began on how to develop skilled personnel in the sector in Azerbaijan.

He noted that after the initial investment was secured, the program was implemented with the initiative and support of the Ministry of Science and Education. The project included establishing scientific and technical infrastructure, including laboratories, improving teachers' English-language skills and providing support programs for two cohorts of students.

"The center we are opening today is not simply an investment in equipment and laboratories. It is an investment in Azerbaijan's human capital and in the future of new energy, particularly renewable energy," he said.

Aslanbayli added that BP's renewable energy initiatives in Azerbaijan extend beyond the new laboratory. The first Azerbaijani-language textbook introducing renewable energy resources has already been translated, while smaller laboratories have been established at two vocational schools.

He said BP plans in the coming days to announce a new "Train the Trainers" program with the Solar Energy Institute, which has operations in eight countries, including Germany. The program is expected to train 20 renewable energy instructors.

Work is also underway to establish a laboratory for energy storage systems at Baku State University. Aslanbayli said discussions on the project would continue next week and that the sides were close to signing an agreement.