| Company | Azerenergylle |
| Location | Baku, Azerbaijan |
| Timeline | 2012 |
| Project Overview | The Baku Crystal Hall project was delivered under tight timelines to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, requiring a safe and reliable power solution for its underground substation. Azerenergylle installed an 80MVA, 110kV transformer filled with MIDEL 7131, ensuring fire safety and dependable performance within the confined underground environment, while supporting the arena’s advanced lighting and operational needs. |
| Product | Midel 7131 Synthetic Ester Transformer Fluid |
This is a MIDEL case study.
The Baku Crystal Hall project was developed at remarkable speed to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, combining striking design with critical infrastructure requirements. At the heart of the project was an underground substation built to safely supply power to the 25,000-seat arena and its advanced lighting systems. To address the challenges of fire safety and high-performance operation in a confined space, an 80MVA, 110kV transformer filled with MIDEL 7131 was installed, delivering a reliable and inherently fire-safe solution that supported the venue’s successful and timely completion.
In 2011, Azerbaijan earned the honor of hosting the Eurovision Song Contest after a landmark win. With that victory came a very real challenge: build a world-class venue in less than a year.
The result was the ambitious Baku Crystal Hall — a striking, modern arena designed to host 25,000 visitors and deliver a spectacular visual experience using over 64,000 LED lights. But behind the dazzling façade was a critical requirement that couldn’t be compromised: safe, reliable power.
To support the arena, a new underground electrical substation had to be constructed. This presented a unique challenge:
The substation’s underground location demanded enhanced fire safety
The transformer had to operate at 110 kV and 80 MVA, delivering high power in a confined space
Strict timelines meant no delays were acceptable
Safety standards had to meet the expectations of a global event hosted under intense scrutiny
In short, the project needed a transformer solution that was not only powerful and compact—but also inherently fire-safe and reliable.
ABB secured the contract to design and build the underground substation. Recognizing the importance of safety in such a high-profile and enclosed environment, they selected a transformer filled with MIDEL 7131 dielectric fluid.
The transformer, engineered by ABB Oy in Vaasa, Finland, leveraged their extensive experience with MIDEL 7131 across complex projects worldwide.
MIDEL 7131 was chosen because it provided:
Excellent fire safety, with high fire point and low risk of ignition
Reliable performance under demanding electrical conditions
Proven capability in underground and sensitive installations
Compatibility with high-voltage transformer applications
This decision ensured that the substation could be safely integrated beneath the arena without compromising performance or public safety.
By using a MIDEL 7131-filled transformer, the project achieved several key advantages:
Enhanced Safety: The fire-resistant properties of MIDEL 7131 significantly reduced fire risk in the underground environment, protecting both infrastructure and people.
Regulatory Confidence: The solution met strict safety and engineering standards required for a high-profile international venue.
Design Flexibility: The transformer could be safely installed underground, supporting the architectural vision of the arena without visible infrastructure.
Reliability Under Pressure: With tight deadlines and global attention, the solution delivered dependable performance without compromise.
Proven Technology: Leveraging ABB’s experience with MIDEL ensured smooth design, installation, and operation.
Despite the tight construction schedule, the underground substation was completed on time. The Baku Crystal Hall opened in April 2012, just weeks before the Eurovision Song Contest in May.
The event went ahead flawlessly, supported by a robust and safe electrical infrastructure hidden beneath the surface. The MIDEL 7131-filled transformer played a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted power, enabling the spectacular lighting and production that millions of viewers around the world enjoyed.