ISO Holds Webinar on Industrial Energy Efficiency For Green Transition

On January 11, 2022, Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) organized a webinar on “Industrial Energy Efficiency for Green Transition” to discuss the role of energy efficiency in the industrial sector.

ISO Board Member and ISO Sustainability Platform President Mustafa Tacir hosted the video conference, which was attended by a large number of industrialists and businesspeople.

In his opening speech, Tacir stated that energy efficiency projects in the industry have been financed by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources since 2011, within the scope of energy efficiency projects financing, at a rate of 30%.

Energy Consumption is Two Times More Than EU Countries

Tacir stated that energy efficiency is a must for Turkish industry, and said manufacturing the same product by spending two times more energy, compared to EU countries, seems to be a problem of the industry, but is actually a national issue. Stating that energy management is the key to success in energy efficiency, Tacir pointed out that lack of information about the energy efficiency potential means missing a cost-effective opportunity.

Following the opening speech made by Tacir, Bora Omurtay, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources Department of Energy Efficiency and Environment Efficiency Improvement Projects, as well as Voluntary Deals Group Coordinator, made a presentation titled, “Support Mechanisms as Part of Energy Efficiency Legislation.” Omurtay gave detailed information about Efficiency Improvement Projects. 

Renewable Energy to Provide 60-80 Thousand of Additional Employers

Next, Energy Analyst Ahmet Acar, from Shura Energy Transition Center, made a presentation titled “Energy Efficiency Impact on Reducing Carbon Emissions.” Stating that Turkey is the 20th largest and fastest-growing greenhouse gas production in the world, Acar said that the renewable energy sector may provide 60-80 thousand additional employers. Acar stated that transition through renewable energy would be possible with a flexible, distributed and digital system, and distribution networks and consumers have had great responsibility in this respect.

Increase in Energy Prices Attracts Attention to Energy Efficiency

ESCON Energy Services General Manager Onur Ünlü made a presentation on “Industrial Energy Efficiency Practices and Energy Performance Contract in Cooperation with ISO & ESCON.” Underlining that the increase in energy prices attracted attention to energy efficiency, Ünlü said that energy prices were not a controllable variable. Ünlü said that we, as the whole humanity, still pollute the environment, and added that energy efficiency is the first solution in the fight against climate change.

Finally, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Energy Efficiency and Climate Change Manager Emre Oğuzöncül made a presentation on “Energy Efficiency Project Finance.” Oğuzöncül stated that a climate change brings a great financial risk, and said that EBRD has invested 41 billion Euros in more than 2,300 green projects.

 After the speeches, the questions of the audience were answered by the participants.