Strong Partnership Between SOCAR Türkiye and Siemens: Petkim’s Energy Infrastructure Modernized

Siemens Türkiye and SOCAR Türkiye began a strategic collaboration in 2017 to modernize Petkim’s energy infrastructure, formalizing a five-year agreement in 2021. As a result of the project, the modernization and electrical infrastructure renewal of 18 production plants have been completed to date.

The joint project between Siemens Türkiye and SOCAR Türkiye started with the renewal of energy infrastructure across 15 major facilities at Petkim’s Aliağa site and extended to include the modernization of 18 plants in total. The project involved the replacement of approximately 150 medium-voltage (MV) panels, the renewal of low-voltage panels, and the upgrade of SCADA systems. Siemens’ global expertise in engineering and digitalization strengthened confidence in the project’s success.

In 2024, a further milestone was achieved with the Petkim Electrical Health Check — the first project of its kind in the petrochemical industry — launched in collaboration with Siemens Türkiye. Through detailed analysis of Petkim’s electrical systems, the future investment needs were identified, providing strategic guidance for infrastructure upgrades aimed at increasing efficiency and safety.

Pioneering Steps in Digitalization and Sustainability

Commenting on the project, Hüseyin Gelis, Chairman and CEO of Siemens Türkiye, stated:
“This collaboration with SOCAR Türkiye not only enabled the modernization of Petkim’s energy infrastructure, but also contributed significantly to its progress in digitalization and sustainability. Through digital transformation efforts, SOCAR Türkiye has achieved greater production efficiency while reducing environmental impact.”

Cengiz Bozbey, Country Head of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Türkiye, added:
“In facilities that have been operating for over 60 years, the need for modernization naturally arises. Today’s energy infrastructure requirements demand the elimination of production losses and environmental risks — forming the core of this partnership. As digitalization reshapes the industry, our SCADA systems and modern energy solutions at Petkim have helped improve efficiency, occupational health and safety standards, and enabled smarter, more reliable petrochemical production processes through Siemens technologies.”

A Partnership That Grows Together and Builds the Future

Throughout the project, Siemens contributed to every stage of Petkim’s energy infrastructure transformation. By deploying advanced technological solutions, Siemens minimized energy losses, enhanced safety, and upheld occupational health and safety standards across all phases of implementation. More than 500 personnel contributed on-site throughout the project duration.

Speaking on the partnership, Kanan Mirzayev, Head of Refining and Petrochemical Business Unit at SOCAR Türkiye and General Manager of Petkim, stated: “Petkim, one of the group companies of SOCAR Türkiye — the country’s largest integrated industrial group — has established a sustainable partnership with Siemens. As Türkiye’s first and only integrated petrochemical company, Petkim has not only served as a key raw material supplier for nearly 60 years but also continues to support sustainable development through eco-friendly production processes and energy efficiency investments. Our collaboration with Siemens is a prime example of this vision in action. The steps we’ve taken together on the path to sustainability and digitalization serve as a model not only for our two companies, but also for the entire sector.”