The “Turkey Energy Ecosystem Meetings,” organized as part of the ECHO Project—coordinated by Yıldız Technical University, carried out in partnership with YTÜ Yıldız Technopark, and funded by the European Union—have concluded. 

Coordinated by Yıldız Technical University, carried out in partnership with YTÜ Yıldız Technopark, and funded by the European Union, the ECHO – ECs Excellence Hubs: Catalyzing Energy Innovation Ecosystems Project, were held in a hybrid format at the Conference Hall of the Yıldız Technopark Administrative Building.

The event, which drew approximately 60 in-person participants and 80 online participants, brought together public institutions, local governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society organizations on a single platform. During the day-long meetings, collaboration models aimed at strengthening Turkey’s energy transition at the local level, the future of energy communities, and international best practices were comprehensively discussed.

Opening Remarks Emphasized a Shared Vision and Collaboration

The event began with opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Cengiz Kaya, Deputy General Manager of YTÜ Yıldız Technopark, and Çağrı Yıldırım, National Coordinator of the TÜBİTAK Horizon Europe Program.

The speeches emphasized that the energy transition is not merely a matter of technological advancements; rather, it is a multi-stakeholder process driven by a shared vision, strong collaboration, and trust. Attention was drawn to the importance of public institutions, universities, the private sector, and local governments working together for Turkey to achieve its energy transition goals.

Following the opening, ECHO Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Ozan Erdinç delivered a comprehensive presentation on the project and officially launched the ECHO Turkey Hub. Erdinç stated that the hub will serve as a key platform for strengthening energy communities, supporting knowledge sharing, and fostering long-term collaborations between Turkey and Europe.

The ECHO Turkey Hub has begun its activities

During the launch event held as part of the program, the services, training activities, and support mechanisms that the ECHO Turkey Hub will offer in the field of energy transition were shared with participants.

The ECHO Turkey Hub aims to carry out initiatives that will increase knowledge sharing among energy communities, local governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society organizations; support capacity-building activities; and contribute to the development of innovative energy projects.

The meeting also addressed the strengthening of national and international partnerships, the support of joint research, and the dissemination of innovative solutions to be developed in the energy sector.

Energy communities and local governance models were discussed

Throughout the event, models of energy communities and energy cooperatives, the current legal and regulatory framework in Turkey, the role of municipalities in the energy transition, and the contributions of local governments to sustainable energy policies were comprehensively evaluated.

As part of the program, approaches to energy communities from both European and Turkish perspectives were discussed, experiences of energy cooperatives were shared, and opportunities for collaboration between municipalities and energy communities were evaluated during panel sessions. Successful energy community models from around the world were examined, and examples of best practices that could be implemented in Turkey were shared with participants.

Participants also received information about the training programs, technical support mechanisms, and future activities to be carried out by the ECHO Turkey Hub.

All stakeholders in the energy ecosystem came together under one roof

The event created a broad-based, interaction-focused platform that brought together different components of the energy ecosystem under one roof.

The meeting was attended by representatives from municipalities, municipal energy management, energy efficiency, and lighting departments; energy cooperatives; energy distribution companies; firms operating in the energy technology sector; civil society organizations; academics; and experts from public institutions.

During the sessions held throughout the day, participants assessed current challenges and exchanged views on new collaboration models that could be developed in Turkey by examining successful international best practices. The event stood out as an interactive platform where diverse stakeholders engaged directly, shared experiences, and explored new partnership opportunities.

Strong Cooperation Among Turkey, Portugal, and Greece

One of the key messages highlighted at the event was the international cooperation developed among Turkey, Portugal, and Greece under the ECHO Project.

The project created strong synergy among the countries with the aim of strengthening energy cooperatives, increasing knowledge sharing, and promoting community-based energy solutions. Thanks to the work carried out with the support of the European Union, the project aims to develop the energy innovation ecosystem, support joint research, and strengthen international cooperation networks for sustainable energy transition.

Led by Yıldız Technical University and carried out in partnership with YTÜ Yıldız Technopark, the ECHO Project is expected to contribute to the proliferation of energy communities, accelerate local energy transition, and facilitate the development of joint projects among various stakeholders.