In order to use limited resources in the most efficient way, it is crucial to first establish an ecosystem for the relevant technologies through clusters in the most suitable regions and then support the process by making national decisions. Europe's steps regarding green hydrogen have accelerated recently. Along with renewable energy investments, electrolyzer capacities are increasing. These new investments are supported by various national and Union mechanisms. In order to not fall behind in this technological transformation, and more importantly, to mitigate the financial obligations that will arise for Turkish companies due to the European continent's Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is moving towards a protectionist stance and accounts for approximately 50% of our exports, it is imperative that initial steps be taken swiftly.

The processes of revitalizing and developing the South Marmara Hydrogen ecosystem, officially initiated in 2018 with expert reports and regional strategy documents published by GMKA, have been transformed into tangible outcomes through two significant projects. While focusing on the development of installed capacity for the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives, the agency has also incorporated the development of domestic capacity in critical equipment for green hydrogen technologies into its policies to prevent new dependencies for Türkiye and has decided to support initiatives in this direction. The contract for one of these projects, the “South Marmara Hydrogen Coast Platform” Guided Project, was signed on March 15, 2023, marking the beginning of the implementation period.

• With the development of Türkiye's largest-capacity domestic PEM electrolyzer, the country's first domestic green hydrogen facility will commence production.
• Türkiye's First Renewable Energy Park will be implemented: Bandırma Energy Hub
• Türkiye's the most widest participated hydrogen platform will be established: South Marmara Hydrogen Coast Platform
• Feasibility study for Türkiye's first hydrogen education center (Green Marine Industry R&D, Testing and Training Center)
• Feasibility study for the first 100% green industrial zone in Turkish industry (South Marmara Green Industrial Zone)

The new step that Türkiye will initiate with the 'South Marmara Model' is expected to present significant opportunities for Türkiye in the medium and long term. South Marmara, with its 3 GW installed capacity in electricity generation from renewable sources, is the leader among Türkiye's Level-2 Regions and still holds significant unutilized potential both on land and at sea. According to Türkiye's latest National Energy Plan, South Marmara, with its total of 1000 km of coastline along both the Aegean and Marmara Seas, is projected to continue leading all regions and contribute significantly to the 2035 targets of 5 GW offshore wind energy and 5 GW electrolyzer capacities. Particularly, South Marmara, which is progressing towards becoming a regional model and currently holds about 21% of installed wind capacity of Türkiye, needs to further utilize its onshore wind potential and rapidly increase its integrated electrolyzer capacity by adding offshore wind farms to its installed capacity in a short period. These initial steps are critical for developing a regional model in line with our country's decarbonization goals. A coordinated process involving public, university, and private sector stakeholders will also bring opportunities to position Türkiye as an exporter in green fuels.