A carbon-free country is not a dream

Ebru CELIK

The Istanbul Policy Center's (IPC) "Türkiye's Decarbonization Roadmap: Towards Net Zero by 2053" report was released to the public yesterday. Experts stated that the report serves as the scientific basis for Türkiye's new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to be submitted to the United Nations this year regarding climate policies. It was noted that achieving the Net Zero target requires an investment of $265 billion, 75% of which will be in the buildings sector.

In his opening remarks, IPM Climate Change Studies Coordinator Dr. Ümit Şahin said, “With a planned strategy, Turkey can absolutely reduce its greenhouse gas emissions between 2025 and 2035.” Şahin stated that Turkey could reduce its emissions by 35 percent compared to 2021, reaching 370 million tons by 2035.

Prof. Dr. Ebru Voyvoda, a faculty member at METU's Department of Economics, summarized the decarbonization options that could be implemented in the industrial sector as follows: "Technological transformation in metal, catalytic reduction in fertilizer, reducing the clinker ratio in cement, and using recycled materials are prominent. The cement sector is the largest source of process emissions." The cost of the necessary transformation for the industry was calculated at $8.3 billion. For Orders, WhatsApp Line 0545 582 5233 New Issue Released!

TURKECO Energy's Associate Professor Dr. Duygu Erten, drawing attention to the building sector, said, "Buildings in Türkiye are responsible for approximately 14 percent of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. 76 percent of emissions come from residences. By switching from coal to natural gas and then to electricity, these emissions could be eliminated by 2045. However, this will require an investment of approximately $200 billion."

Dr. Özay Uslu of Medipol University emphasized the importance of electrification in transportation: “The transition to electric vehicles and railway investments significantly reduce emissions. A net benefit of $36.5 billion could be achieved through the transition away from fossil fuels.”

Prof. Dr. İlkay Dellal from Ankara University listed the prominent strategies in agriculture as follows: “Reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, electrifying agricultural machinery, and utilizing animal manure in biogas plants… Thanks to these practices, an agricultural model that is both low-emission and environmentally friendly will be possible.”

The presentation announced the cost of agricultural transformation for 2025-2035 as $13.2 billion. Experts noted that if Turkey implements an energy transformation, technological transformation in industry, and electrification in buildings, it could reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by 62 percent by 2053. It was noted that $265 billion in investment is required to achieve the "Net Zero" target.