Italgas's digital subsidiary, Bludigit, has forged a strategic partnership with Azerigas Production Union, a gas distribution company in Azerbaijan. This collaboration builds upon an existing relationship between Italgas and SOCAR, Azerigas's parent company, to facilitate Azerigas's digital transformation efforts.
The partnership focuses on implementing advanced technological solutions for gas leak detection, alongside strategic digital consulting services aimed at modernising Azerigas's operations. One of the cornerstone services highlighted is the gas leak detection system that uses Picarro technology, previously trialed by Azerigas. This technology allows for precise and timely identification of gas leaks, which is anticipated to significantly reduce fugitive emissions, enhance infrastructure safety, and improve sustainability across the gas distribution network.
As part of the operations, two vehicles equipped with advanced gas analysers will monitor over 2,400 kilometres of the gas distribution network in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. In addition to leak detection, Bludigit will conduct a comprehensive analysis of Azerigas's current digitalisation status concerning its assets and processes. This analysis aims to create a digital roadmap that will streamline operations, resulting in higher service quality and operational efficiency.
Marco Barra Caracciolo, CEO of Bludigit, commented on the partnership, stating, “This collaboration reaffirms Bludigit’s role as an international leader in the digitalisation of energy networks. Thanks to our state-of-the-art technologies and solid expertise, Azerigas will effectively tackle modernisation challenges, detect leaks with exceptional accuracy, and further strengthen the safety of its infrastructure. This is a strategic project that will significantly contribute to Azerigas’s digital transformation and to managing its network in an increasingly sustainable way.”
Azerigas, responsible for the distribution and supply of natural gas to approximately 2.6 million users across Azerbaijan—excluding the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic—will benefit from this partnership as it seeks to enhance its operational capabilities. The initiative not only underscores the growing importance of digital technologies in energy distribution but also reflects broader trends toward sustainability and efficiency in business practices within the sector. SOCAR, Azerbaijan's state oil company, continues to play a crucial role in supporting these advancements in the nation's energy landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services