In order to draw attention to the importance of renewable energy sources and the potential of the Aegean Region, the "Renewable Energy and Sustainability Summit" was held by the Aegean Exporters' Associations in cooperation with Posta Newspaper on June 15, World Wind Day.
At the summit, Aegean Exporters' Unions Coordinator President Jak Eskinazi, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources General Manager of Energy Affairs Dr. Ömer Erdem, Chairman of the Parliamentary Industry, Trade, Energy, Natural Resources, Information and Technologies Commission Ziya Altunyaldız made the opening speeches.
In the first session where the importance of wind and solar energy in sustainable development was discussed, ENSİA President Alper Kalaycı, GENSED President Halil Demirdağ, TPI Composite EMEA CFO Özgür Soysal and GENSED Vice President Tolga Murat Özdemir took part as speakers, while energy resources and renewable energy were biogas President Altan Denizsel, The second session was attended by Teksis Advanced Technologies General Manager Hüseyin Devrim and JESDER President Ufuk Şentürk.
55 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from energy production and distribution
Reminding the carbon tax at the border that will come into effect with the European Green Agreement, Aegean Exporters' Associations Coordinator President Jak Eskinazi underlined that the exports and competitiveness of many sectors, especially iron-steel, chemistry, automotive and textile, will be affected.
“Studies show that the possible annual cost of this process can reach 1,8 billion dollars. We need to prepare our companies for this process, which we call green transformation. Unfortunately, our companies that do not make progress in this field will have difficulty even finding financing in the coming period. One of our most important issues in the green transformation process is renewable energy sources. 55 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions come from energy production and distribution.
The share of renewable and clean energy sources is 22 percent.
Eskinazi said, “Increasing the use of renewable energy sources and providing reliable and low-cost energy in an environmentally sustainable manner in a growing economy are the primary energy policy of our country. The share of Wind, Solar, Biomass and Geothermal energy, which are considered as “renewable and clean energy sources”, has reached the level of 100 percent in Turkey's installed electrical power of 334 thousand 22 Megawatts. We have reached this level with the investments we have made in the last 15 years. It is truly a success story.” said.
Not having even one offshore wind farm is unacceptable.
Eskinazi is of the opinion that the share of renewable energy in Turkey's installed power of electrical energy should be increased to over 50 percent quickly.
“In Germany, the government is enacting a law to provide 2035% of electrical energy consumption from renewable energy in 100. We also need to come up with a plan for exiting fossil fuels. Turkey is a country rich in wind and sun. İzmir is the leader in Turkey with an installed power of 10 megawatts in Turkey's wind energy installed power, which has reached 810 megawatts. But not having even one offshore wind farm is unacceptable.”
Renewable energy equipment exports exceeded 500 million dollars annually
Emphasizing the advantages of İzmir's high potential in terms of wind, geothermal, biomass and solar energy and its geographical location, Jak Eskinazi continued his words as follows:
“İzmir is a renewable energy center, in other words, its capital. We expect and desire that renewable energy technologies in İzmir will have an important share in the future of the energy market. As Aegean Exporters' Associations, we would like to contribute to our industry, which is developing rapidly and has a very important potential in our region. Field studies show that Turkey's renewable energy equipment exports exceed 500 million dollars annually.”
Turkey's first Renewable Energy Equipment and Service Exporters' Association
Eskinazi, the purpose of the sector representatives; He summarized it as gathering the currently scattered renewable energy equipment exporters under the same roof and enabling them to join forces.
“We are of the same opinion as our sector representatives. Within this framework, we started our work towards the establishment of Turkey's first Renewable Energy Equipment and Service Exporters' Association. We need to do a detailed study in the coming period. Because there is no customs tariff in renewable energy. For example, an engine part used in a wind turbine is not considered renewable energy equipment, so there is no tariff to differentiate it.”
We look forward to the support of our Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Commerce and the Energy Commission of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
Jak Eskinazi said, “Therefore, a new Customs Tariff Statistics Position needs to be defined. I sincerely believe that we can create a synergy in cooperation with our NGOs, companies and other stakeholders in the sector. Renewable Energy Equipment Exporters' Association will suit İzmir, which has become a center in the production of renewable energy and equipment. We expect the support of our Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Commerce and the Energy Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly in our work on this issue.” said.
Together with the YEKA competitions, we will have reached a portfolio exceeding 7.000 MW in total.
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources General Manager of Energy Affairs Dr. Ömer Erdem emphasized the importance of the Sustainability Manifesto of the Aegean Exporters' Associations and stated that they are working to implement the articles related to energy efficiency.
“Within the scope of the Renewable Energy Resource Areas (YEKA) model developed within the scope of the National Energy and Mining Policy, which contributes significantly to the realization of technology transfer, domestic production and installed power targets in the field of renewable energy, since 2017, a total of 2.850 MW of wind, 2.300 MW of solar energy is based. A competition with a size of 5.150 MW was held. With the new YEKA competitions planned to be held in the near future, we will have reached a portfolio exceeding 7.000 MW in total.”
5 billion dollar investment is being implemented
Erdem said, “Thanks to the additional 2.787 MW capacity allocated for renewable resources by EMRA in the past months, an investment of approximately 1,5 billion dollars will be realized in the next 2 - 5 years, and a significant contribution will be made to the country's economy and employment. All of the investments made at the moment are on renewable energy.” he said.
We are 12th in the world and 5th in Europe in renewable energy installed power.
Ömer Erdem shared the information that from the beginning of 2017, when the National Energy and Mining Policy was announced, to the end of April 2022, approximately 75% of the installed electricity installed capacity consisted of renewable energy sources.
“In the period from the beginning of 2020 to the end of April 2022, 95% of the installed electricity installed capacity consists of renewable energy sources. As of the end of 2021, our country ranks 12th in the world and 5th in Europe in total renewable energy installed power. We are taking the necessary measures in the field of energy for applications such as the carbon tax at the border, which will be on the agenda in the coming period. The Renewable Energy Resource Guarantee (YEK-G) System, which offers consumers the opportunity to certify that they use the energy produced from renewable energy sources, and the Organized YEK-G Market, where this system will be operated, were put into use last year.”
Turkey National Energy Plan study will be published in a few months
Erdem said that it paved the way for industrialists to set up unlicensed solar and wind power plants up to twice their electrical connection power in order to help them reset their carbon footprints and reduce their costs.
“I would like to talk about a study that our ministry plans to publish this year. With the amendments made in the Electricity Market Law and the Natural Gas Market Law, our Ministry was given the task of preparing and publishing the long-term Turkish National Energy Plan. The said plan, which is being worked on in line with the 2053 targets, is expected to be published in a few months, and long-term energy supply-demand scenarios are prepared within the scope of the study. As a result of the long-term scenarios prepared, the steps to be taken in order to reach the energy targets of our country will be determined. I would like to express that we, as the Ministry, have given and will give all our support to our industry and industrialists for the sustainable continuation of renewable energy investments.”
We have come to the point of producing components and parts with a local rate of up to 70 percent.
Ziya Altunyaldız, Chairman of the Parliamentary Industry, Trade, Energy, Natural Resources, Information and Technologies Commission, said, “In 2021, the highest emission was achieved. There is a need for a mechanism and a systematic that realizes the commitments. That's why we suggested that there should be international binding agreements in the EU commission. 300 gigawatts of installed power and billions of dollars of investment are required to reduce the emission volume to zero. We achieved 11 megawatts in terrestrial wind energy and 8 thousand megawatts in solar energy. We know it's 10 times our potential.” said.
Altunyaldız stated that he visited the wind energy equipment production facilities in İzmir last week and was very impressed with the current technology and capacity.
“We have come to the point of producing components and parts with a local rate of up to 70 percent. We meet both domestic and export demand. We will create more production areas, support the installation of renewable energy, and strengthen investments. It was very important that we included the supports within the scope of the 4th region. We want to be the driving force of this transformation.”
We will reach the 2030 target in 2023
Drawing attention to Turkey's 26 national contribution statement within the scope of COP2030, ENSİA President Alper Kalaycı mentioned that the wind energy installed power target is 16 thousand megawatts and the solar energy installed power target is 10 thousand megawatts.
“We are currently at 8-400 megawatts in solar energy. Thus, we will reach the 500 target in 2030. We will reach the target of 2023 thousand megawatts in wind energy by 16. Countries need to set more difficult targets. There is a very serious potential in our industrialists and companies that produce components. Our infrastructure is very good. Electricity consuming industrialists, on the other hand, have a serious appetite to revise their companies according to renewable energy. We need to accelerate.”
Turkish companies will be an important player in the world in solar energy
GENSED President Halil Demirdağ said, “Solar energy industrialists have a great opportunity in renewable energy. Turkey is in green energy, wind in the sun makes up 1 percent of the world. We can exceed our 1 percent share in the world, green hydrogen is a miracle for us. In the coming years, Turkish companies will be an important player in the world in solar energy. In order for us to be a strong player in production, an industry related to this needs to be formed. The sun is the cheapest energy source in the world, and wind is the second cheapest source. The carbon tax will begin to be paid on January 1, 2023. Renewable energy should be supported regardless of its cost.” he said.
There will be very rapid growth in renewable energy
Özgür Soysal, CFO of TPI Composites EMEA, said, “Renewable energy is a sector that will solve all of Turkey's problems. There is a significantly increased demand in the EU. 15 gigawatts of demand is expected to be 30 gigawatts. There will be very rapid growth in renewable energy. The closest location to the EU is Turkey, we have a geographical location advantage and a logistics advantage. We are in a very good position as know how. If we keep the setup at a certain level, we need scale. We need to determine what kind of incentives companies need. We need a port where this work will be done, we need a stable market and setup. The renewable energy sector is a great opportunity for young people, let them learn about the sector and invest.” said.
Open our way as legislation
GENSED Vice President Tolga Murat Özdemir said, “If we were 8 thousand megawatts instead of 500 thousand 20 in solar energy installed power, we would not have a supply problem in January. They paved the way for licensees in solar energy. Unlicensed solar energy investments should also be paved. Turkey is a very important sun country. Clear our way as legislation. The world has caught a thousand gigawatts in SPP, we are in the 1 percent of it. The share we get from the world in renewable energy should be at least 2%. The world will reach 2030 gigawatts by 2. There will be 500 million vehicles in 2030. Solar energy must be distributed. Our installed power needs to increase by 2,5 percent.” he said.
Biogasder President Altan Denizsel said, “Our goal is to increase the methods of how wastes in Turkey can be brought into the economy. Every day in Turkey, there are 500 thousand tons of cow waste, 35 thousand 40 thousand tons of chicken droppings, 110 thousand tons of city garbage, 8 million tons of city water waste. There are many wastes such as the wastes of slaughterhouse waste processing factories and the wastes of the market. Even if you have energy in the upcoming period, if you cannot manage this waste correctly every day, you will not be able to manage anything. We need to bring waste into the economy with the right methods every day.” said.
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change should step in
Mentioning that the organic matter ratio in the soil increases when agricultural wastes are poured onto the soil, Denizsel said that the ratio of organic matter in the soil should be increased to 4 percent.
“According to agricultural experts, 6,5 billion tons of organic matter is needed for this and the target is 4 years. For smart agriculture, the raw material of your soil must be sufficient. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources did what it could. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change should step in and we should talk about how to make the right fertilizer. Turkey needs an agricultural policy. Forestry wastes with high cellulose content should not be burned, the waste steam heats the cities.”
If organic wastes are managed correctly, we will eliminate Turkey's organic matter deficiency.
Altan Denizsel added that the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, together with academia and technology owners, should come up with the right method for each waste with a commission.
“The world has switched to plasma technology in waste management. There are valuable wastes in Turkey, and there is a great energy source here. We produce 1,5 billion natural gas with biogas per year. It needs to be developed. Municipalities can collect waste and make their own electricity. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry can pour all the wastes into barren places and increase the productivity of the soil. There is a huge shortage of personnel. Domestic production increased in Turkey. The sub-industry also creates employment. Organic waste should be managed properly. If managed correctly, we will eliminate Turkey's organic matter deficiency. In the carbon certificate, not only energy measurement will be made, but also waste management and supply management will be questioned. There is no compensation for the waste industry. Let's make university-industry cooperation together. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change should support companies.”
Turkey hydrogen roadmap is announced this year
Hüseyin Devrim, General Manager of Teksis Advanced Technologies, said, “Hydrogen energy is a new concept in the world. Northern European countries are ahead. In the Far East, Japan and Korea are very good. It's also relatively good in the US. We have two dates ahead of us; 2030 and 2050. At the core of decarbonisation is electrification. In hydrogen energy, there is no carbon emission in production and consumption, and this creates an ecosystem. We need to carry out P&D studies and develop products. There is 70 million tons of hydrogen use in the world; mainly fossil fuel natural gas, coal, 3 percent green hydrogen. It is very important for transportation for automotive. 30 percent of carbon emissions come from transportation.” said.
Explaining that developed countries have announced a hydrogen roadmap and set their goals, Devrim concluded his words as follows:
“Everyone knows how much green hydrogen Germany needs after 15 years. Everything is planned, from production to distribution. A working group was formed before the Presidency and policies were created in this context. We expect the Turkish hydrogen roadmap to be announced this year. Hydrogen energy will create new business lines. Green electricity is needed to produce green hydrogen.”
We could be the largest lithium producer in the world
JESDER President Ufuk Şentürk said, “Turkey ranks fourth in the world in geothermal energy production. We reached 2021 megawatts in 676. The majority of the power plants are in the Aegean. We carry out R&D studies in Central Anatolia. In greenhouse cultivation, we will obtain 7 times the product from the soil with geothermal without spending any energy. We drilled the wells for the power plants. Tourism is carried out for 5 months, all of them have geothermal. Tourism can be done for 12 months with geothermal energy. We are working on the extraction of lithium from boron mine and lithium from geothermal. We have a huge capacity. We can produce 35 percent of the lithium produced in the world and become the largest lithium producer.” said.
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