Atmosphere Protection

16.4

bln boe

of proved hydrocarbon reserves (SEC)

№3

globally among publicly traded companies by proved natural gas reserves under SEC

80

bcm of natural gas produced in 2021

10%

of total Azerbaijan natural gas production

Atmosphere Protection

We are aware of the extent to which our operations have an influence on the atmosphere and the environment, as well as our contribution to local, regional, and global climate change. Due to this, we are concentrating on creating a plan for lowering and managing air emissions and investigating the potential for implementing cutting-edge initiatives and technologies. In terms of atmospheric emissions, we work to comply with national and international environmental regulations.

The following priority areas for climatic elements have been selected in the long-term Gunashli Oilfield Development Strategy:

1. Strictly comply with the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, international and national standards, internal documents in the field of environmental protection. Constantly improve the environmental management system.

2. Provide the advantage of preventive measures to prevent negative impact on the environment over measures to eliminate the consequences of such impact.

3. Ensure rational use of natural resources, consistent reduction of environmental impact through the introduction of energy- and resource-saving, low-waste, environmentally friendly technologies, equipment, materials, measures to adapt to climate change and compensation for possible damage to the environment.

4. Ensure continuous improvement of processes in the field of environmental protection through their informatization and automation.

5. Ensure continuous improvement of water management processes, implement water conservation and recycling projects, assess and manage risks associated with water scarcity.

6. To ensure the reduction of the volume of production waste generation and disposal in the environment, their safe handling, the implementation of measures for the recovery of waste. Apply a set of technologies (methods) to prevent secondary pollution of soil, atmospheric air or water resources; implement the principles of “green office”.

7. Manage environmental risks (such as regulatory, reputational, market and others) faced by the Company in its business activities, and take all possible measures to reduce environmental impact in the following areas:

  • adaptation to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere;
  • water resources management;
  • waste management;
  • when planning and implementing production activities, take into account the impact on biodiversity and preserve animal migration routes;
  • carry out work on the remediation of contaminated land, as well as the restoration of the environment in the contract area after the termination of the subsoil use contract.

8. Take measures to achieve zero gas flaring and reduce air emissions from flares.

9. Conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the Company’s production facility, from the construction stage to the liquidation stage, with obligatory informing the public and interested parties, and posting this information in open sources.

10. Do not carry out activities in specially protected natural areas that are of particular value as a habitat for rare and endangered and valuable species of animals, conduct a risk assessment when carrying out work in ecologically sensitive areas.

11. Ensure the trouble-free operation and operation of all equipment and pipelines in order to minimize the risks of environmental pollution in accidents and oil spills.

12. When planning and implementing production activities, apply a hierarchy of mitigation measures for impacts on biodiversity, taking into account four key actions: prevention, minimization, restoration and compensation of potential significant direct impacts.

13. Participate in research programs and industry partnerships to further accumulate knowledge and develop innovative solutions in the field of environmental protection and biodiversity protection.

14. Prevent illegal hunting, fishing and other use of flora and fauna by its employees, as well as employees of contractors and subcontractors in the contract areas.

15. To improve the ecological culture of the personnel, to conduct continuous training, education and popularization of environmental protection activities. Involvement of personnel in the work to ensure environmental safety by bringing to the attention of each employee the environmental aspects of the Company’s activities and the impact on the environment.

16. Ensure wide accessibility of environmental information and transparency of the Company’s environmental activities to the public, shareholders, interested government bodies and other parties.

17. Ensure effective functioning of the management system and continuous improvement of environmental performance indicators.

The environmental parameters of the fuel produced by the refineries were improved as a result of the successfully completed refinery modernization projects by producing European quality standard oil products corresponding to K4 classes (Euro 4) in accordance with the requirements of the Customs Union Technical Regulations.

At all refineries, sulfur recovery equipment went into service. After the project is finished, commercial sulphur will be produced concurrently with the regeneration of hydrogen sulfide gas, which is a crucial product. This will improve the air quality in residential areas by lowering the amount of contaminants in motor vehicle exhaust emissions. K4 gasoline contains 10 times less sulfur than fuel created prior to refinery renovation.