An EcoEnergy Station, enabling the charging of electric vehicles using renewable energy sources, has been inaugurated at Baku State University (BSU) through a partnership between the university and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, BSU Rector Elchin Babayev emphasized that “green energy” and “green economy” are key national priorities. As the leading institution in Azerbaijan’s higher education system, BSU contributes to these efforts through innovative approaches. The new project utilizes both solar and wind energy to provide clean, eco-friendly energy access for BSU staff and students.

The rector noted that the “Clean-Charge” AC power station project was among the winners of the 5th grant competition held by KOBIA, which supports educational, scientific, research, and development projects by SMEs. This initiative not only highlights the successful collaboration between BSU and KOBIA in science, education, and innovation but also represents a concrete step toward fulfilling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The station will also serve educational purposes by being integrated into the university's curriculum.

Chairman of the KOBIA Management Board, Orkhan Mammadov, stated that supporting innovation-oriented projects remains a priority for the agency. He emphasized the successful execution of the cooperation memorandum between BSU and KOBIA and mentioned that KOBIA allocated a grant of nearly 20,000 AZN for the Clean-Charge AC station. The project is expected to benefit university employees, students, and entrepreneurs alike.

Turkhan Suleyman, Head of the Science and Higher Education Policy Department at the Ministry of Science and Education, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in modern university development. He stressed the significance of combining public and private funding mechanisms for higher education and affirmed the ministry’s commitment to expanding support for impactful educational and scientific projects. He also underlined the importance of integrating this new station into the academic process.

Project leader and Director of the Student Scientific-Technical Creativity Center at BSU, Ilyas Nasibov, explained that the station aims to reduce carbon emissions by generating electricity from renewable sources: “The total capacity of the station is 22 kWh. The goal is to achieve zero carbon emissions by enabling the fast and environmentally friendly charging of electric vehicles, thus supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Ilkin Mustafayev, a blogger focused on electric vehicle awareness and charging technologies, noted the significance of the project and emphasized the necessity of increasing the number of renewable energy-based charging stations.

Finally, attendees witnessed a live demonstration of an electric vehicle being charged at the new EcoEnergy Station.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals