Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) President Yilmaz: "The Gaza Ceasefire is a Turning Point for Energy Security"

According to a statement from the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), Yılmaz stated in his speech at a workshop organized by the Energy Regulators Regional Association (ERRA) that energy is a fundamental element not only of economic development but also of peace and stability.

Yılmaz emphasized that the ceasefire following Israel's genocide in Gaza is a significant turning point in terms of the peace and security of the people of the region, as well as energy security and sustainable development goals, and noted the following:

In a region where peace and stability are established, energy resources become tools of cooperation, not conflict. As our President has frequently emphasized, the mindset that sees a drop of oil as more valuable than a drop of blood throughout history has unfortunately inflicted great suffering on humanity. For us, however, what truly matters is always people. As long as there are people, oil, electricity, and energy have meaning. I would like to proudly state that Türkiye's contribution to the ceasefire process is a testament not only to our country's humanitarian approach but also to our peace-oriented strategic vision. Because energy only gains meaning in lands where peace prevails. Peace, on the other hand, becomes permanent in a world where energy is shared fairly, securely, and based on mutual benefit.

"Türkiye has made a major transformation in the field of renewable energy"

Recalling that renewable energy and sustainability are among the constant topics of discussion in energy markets, Yılmaz said, "Renewable energy sources support economic growth by reducing dependence on imported resources, while playing an increasingly critical role in mitigating geopolitical risks and protecting the environment."

Emphasizing that Türkiye stands out as a model country in its region in this field, Yılmaz stated, "With the sustainable energy policy and strategies we follow, as well as the regulatory framework we have developed, we are increasing our renewable energy capacity every day while also improving our technological grid infrastructure."

Yılmaz stated that, as an institution, they are working to develop regulatory frameworks that will accelerate the energy transition, provide confidence to market actors, and enable citizens to participate more effectively in the energy system. He continued:

"We aim to contribute to the shaping of regional energy policies on inter-institutional platforms like ERRA. In this regard, the workshop we are hosting today, where international experiences and best practices on collective self-consumption and energy communities will be discussed, represents a valuable opportunity for all of us," he said.

Yılmaz emphasized that Türkiye has undergone a major transformation in renewable energy over the past 20 years, saying, "Our installed renewable energy capacity, which was approximately 13 gigawatts in 2005, has increased to approximately 73 gigawatts by 2025, reaching a share of over 60% of our total installed electricity capacity. This development is a result of Türkiye's decisive energy policies, a regulatory framework that encourages domestic and innovative solutions, and a favorable investment and financing environment in our country."

Reporter: Gazete Enerji