BEST for Energy Summit II: Izmir Leads Clean Energy Innovations

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BEST for Energy Summit II: Izmir Leads Clean Energy Innovations

The green energy transition plays a vital role in addressing global environmental challenges, including climate change. Therefore, the European Union (EU) has placed tackling the climate crisis at the heart of the European Green Deal. It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy security, and boost economic growth by investing in clean energy innovations such as wind, solar, and green hydrogen. The strategy promotes international partnerships and cooperation and helps countries take the lead in developing green energy solutions through EU-supported initiatives.

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As an example of this cooperation, stakeholders from Türkiye and Europe gathered in Izmir on 17-18 October for the Best for Energy Summit II, which took place under the auspices of the EU Green Diplomacy Week, one of the EU's major global campaigns.

The two-day summit with stakeholders from Türkiye and Europe in Izmir

The Summit demonstrates the success of the EU-funded project

The summit was hosted by the Energy Industrialists and Businessmen Association (ENSIA) and the Izmir Development Agency (IZKA) with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Technology. It was organised following the first BEST for Energy Summit held in 2023 as part of the EU-supported BEST for Energy project.

The summit delivered a compelling message that joining forces and building solid partnerships aligned with the European Green Deal strategy continues to pave the way for economic opportunities and a better future for citizens.

Jurgis Vilčinskas, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye

EU support for İzmir

In his opening remarks, Jurgis Vilčinskas, the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the EU to Türkiye, stressed the importance of holding the summit in Izmir. Stating that the EU sees Izmir as a strategic partner in the fight against global climate change, he said:

"Izmir, the capital of clean energy, is fully committed to achieving a prosperous future. Izmir is rapidly growing as a key European city at the forefront of the clean energy transition, which fully aligns with EU policy priorities. It has been selected as one of the 100 climate-neutral cities under the NetZeroCities as part of the EU Mission: Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities. In addition, the EU continues to work with ENSIA on the critical issue of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). I am pleased to see that the EU support has planted seeds that are now growing rapidly. The EU is proud to financially support Izmir's transition to green energy in multiple areas, turning environmental challenges into opportunities for economic growth. But much more needs to be done."

Click here to read the story 'Izmir Leads the Way to a Climate-Neutral Future'

According to Mr Vilčinskas, partnerships and cooperation between Türkiye and the EU to invest in green energy are crucial. He remarked that "trade between Türkiye and the EU reached a new record of more than €206 billion, making Türkiye the EU's fifth largest trading partner," and that the EU remains the largest investor in Türkiye. He stressed that in order to compete globally, the EU and Türkiye should invest.

Alper Kalaycı, Chairman of ENSIA

Green energy plans

Alper Kalaycı, Chairman of ENSIA, stated: "Izmir is among the top five in four basic clean energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biomass. For this reason, Izmir is literally the capital of clean energy. In Türkiye, 45 per cent of the power plants to be commissioned by 2035 will be based on clean energy sources, 25 per cent of which will be wind power. For the next 11 years, wind and solar will account for three-quarters of energy resources. After 2035, we plan to increase this share to meet the 2053 targets."

Dr Mehmet Yavuz, Secretary General of the Izmir Development Agency

Achievements of the project

Dr Mehmet Yavuz, Secretary General of the Izmir Development Agency, spoke about the significance of the EU-funded BEST For Energy project for Izmir and the Aegean region: "This project has provided us with essential information as well as a roadmap of what needs to be accomplished to develop the energy industry in the Aegean region, with Izmir at the centre. It has taught us what we need to achieve in the wind and solar sectors, as well as with biomass, geothermal and green hydrogen, and we will be sharing this information with the public in the near future."

The first session focused on green hydrogen

The urgency of the clean energy transition

The first day of the event featured four sessions covering the most pressing issues in the energy sector, such as the potential of clean hydrogen, Izmir and Istanbul's examples of urban green transformation, the future role of solar energy, and the global challenges in the wind energy supply chain. Moderated by industry leaders, the discussions explored innovative solutions to accelerate Türkiye's green transition, alternative ways to address the challenges, and insights into how cities, industry and international partners can work together to fulfil a climate-neutral future.

The second-day sessions focused on green career for young people

The second day featured four sessions focusing on the role of young people in the clean energy sector, green career opportunities, and industry innovation. With Türkiye's substantial green energy potential, the summit was a powerful reminder of the urgency and opportunity of the clean energy transition. Discussions highlighted the need for greater cooperation across borders to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all.

What is the BEST For Energy project?

The EU-financed BEST For Energy project was implemented between 2020-2023 with the cooperation of ENSİA and IZKA. The project aimed to establish a clean energy and clean technology cluster in the Aegean region. The project was successfully completed under the EU's Competitive Sectors Programme (CSP).

What is CBAM?

The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is the EU's tool to put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive goods that are entering the EU, and to encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries.

By confirming that a price has been paid for the embedded carbon emissions generated in the production of certain goods imported into the EU, the CBAM will ensure the carbon price of imports is equivalent to the carbon price of domestic production, and that the EU's climate objectives are not undermined. The CBAM is designed to be compatible with WTO-rules.

CBAM will apply in its definitive regime from 2026, while the current transitional phase lasts between 2023 and 2025. This gradual introduction of the CBAM is aligned with the phase-out of the allocation of free allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to support the decarbonisation of EU industry.

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