We Joined SHURA’s Webinar as Panelists for the Launch of a Key Hydrogen Report for Türkiye

We participated in the webinar where SHURA Energy Transition Center introduced the report "Renewable Hydrogen in Türkiye’s Decarbonization Process: Priority Application Areas and Policy Recommendations" on February 4, 2025. An important event took place focusing on the hydrogen ecosystem, which plays a crucial role in Türkiye’s energy transition. With contributions from Prof. Dr. Selmiye Alkan Gürsel and PhD students Ahmet Can Kırlıoğlu and Büşra Çetiner from Sabancı University, this report serves as a key resource in shaping Türkiye’s hydrogen strategy. The report can be accessed on SHURA’s website: https://shura.org.tr/

The webinar began with opening speeches by SHURA Director Alkım Bağ and Dr. M. Sencer Özen from İzmir Development Agency, followed by a summary presentation of the report by Dr. Sena Serhatlıoğlu from SHURA. After the report presentation, we had the opportunity to discuss the green hydrogen ecosystem, hydrogen valleys, Türkiye’s first hydrogen valley (HYSouthMarmara), and recent developments in hydrogen technologies alongside Hüseyin Kerem Öner, Head of the Energy and Industry Unit at the South Marmara Development Agency. 

Moderated by Hasan Aksay from SHURA, the panel featured leading experts addressing critical questions:

Prof. Dr. Selmiye Alkan Gürsel – Sabancı University

• How do you assess the progress in hydrogen technologies, particularly in electrolyzers and fuel cells?
• What R&D activities should Türkiye prioritize to achieve its hydrogen strategy goals?

Hüseyin Kerem Öner – South Marmara Development Agency

• As a host to a hydrogen valley, how do you evaluate the progress of the project? What challenges have you encountered?
• What strategic steps should Türkiye take to meet its hydrogen targets?

Alper Kalaycı – ENSİA

• How do you evaluate the development of renewable energy in Türkiye? What steps are necessary for hydrogen production?
• Can Türkiye leverage its expertise in renewable energy equipment manufacturing to advance renewable hydrogen? What are the key factors for this transition?

Çağatay Ölken – TÜPRAŞ

• Refineries already have experience in hydrogen production and consumption. What are TÜPRAŞ’s key strategies regarding renewable hydrogen and green technologies?
• What mechanisms can be implemented to enhance the cost competitiveness of renewable hydrogen? How might carbon pricing impact this?

Events like these play a vital role in fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening cross-sector collaborations to accelerate the energy transition.