CEO of Mogan Energy Investments, Ali Karaduman

Q1-) Can you share the services your company provides in the renewable energy sector with our readers?

 

GÜRİŞ Holding Energy Group has been investing in energy projects under the umbrella of MOGAN Energy Investment Holding Inc. Due to its 65 years of experience, GÜRİŞ Holding has undertaken the construction, manufacturing, assembly, and commissioning of numerous thermal and hydroelectric power plants as a contractor. The company has made a conscious effort to utilize its experience, engineering expertise, and knowledge gained from these energy projects in its own energy facilities. We believed that, with our own knowledge and financial resources, we could build geothermal and wind energy power plants like those found worldwide. The Galip Hoca and Efeler geothermal power plants are operating at full capacity as expected. Our wind energy power plants are considered among the best in Turkey in terms of technology and engineering. Güriş Holding Energy Group has strengthened its workforce by adding many engineers, including mechanical, construction, electrical, petroleum, civil, environmental, and industrial engineers, to the team. All our projects have reached their current status thanks to the dedication of our engineers. As GÜRİŞ/MOGAN Holding, we continue our investments in the energy sector without slowing down. Apart from the investments in Ukraine (32.4 MW RES + 1 MWp GES) and Kosovo (32.4 MW RES), we have 10 Wind Energy Power Plants (RES), 8 Geothermal Energy Power Plants (JES), and 6 Hydroelectric Power Plants (HES) in Turkey. With a total of 27 Green Energy Power Plants and a installed capacity of 1131.75 MW, we continue our efforts to meet Turkey’s increasing energy needs and produce national energy from domestic resources. Güriş Holding provides employment for 8,000 people through its 27 operating RES, HES, and JES. Additionally, we generate 4 billion kWh of electricity annually, fulfilling the electricity needs of 1.8 million households. As a pioneer in Turkey’s energy sector, GÜRİŞ Holding will always continue its contributions to the country’s economy through investments in local and renewable energy. Established in 1958 and continuing renewable energy investments since 1993, GÜRİŞ Holding is one of Turkey’s largest renewable energy investors, and it will always bring challenging and groundbreaking projects to life.

 

Q2-) What is the potential of these energy resources for evaluation in terms of sustainable development, environmental sensitivity, and energy efficiency?

 

Renewable energy is obtained from natural resources that have continuous or repeated access from the natural environment. These resources, being inherently available and non-depletable over time, are becoming alternative energy sources in our lives. Traffic is at a standstill, and the population is rapidly increasing. The growing volume of industrialization leads to an ever-increasing demand for energy. Intensively used fuels such as coal, lignite, or gasoline, if not accompanied by innovative technologies, impact the environment with “pollution and harm,” which is enough to sadden our world. In such situations, alternative energy production comes into play, critical for enabling people and nature to breathe. Renewable energy sources, due to their economic benefits and the opportunity for endless usage, serve as a lifesaver for humanity in the remaining time we will live on this planet. Being environmentally friendly, these resources emerge as inexhaustible sources. The use of renewable energy sources brings the following advantages:

• It is an energy source that can be quickly replaced, enabling efficient power generation for humans without exertion.
• They do not cause pollution; they are cleaner sources compared to other fuels.
• Being naturally sustained, they represent an alternative and non-depletable energy source.

 

Renewable energy initiatives hold a significant place in Turkey’s sustainable future policy, and being in line with the ‘European Green Deal’ is a great advantage. Recent growth in renewable energy projects in Turkey is of great importance to producers. Especially regarding carbon footprint, Turkey has an advantageous position for the application of carbon border tax compared to countries like India and China, thanks to its low carbon footprint. The increasing emphasis on renewable energy projects and easier export opportunities to European Union countries contribute to the development of the country’s economy.

 

Q3-) Considering the projects your company has undertaken, what are the systems that will promote energy conservation and minimize the environmental impact of energy production?

 

The shift towards renewable energy sources is not only crucial for energy purposes but also for addressing global warming and security concerns. Due to the use of fossil fuels, the world is increasingly becoming more polluted. When fossil fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, leading to an increase in its concentration. A significant rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide results in an escalation of heat trapped by the greenhouse gas effect, leading to global warming and a general increase in land and surface temperatures. Clean energy, such as solar, geothermal, wave, and wind power, is obtained from naturally recurring processes in the environment. Unlike fossil energy sources, clean energy is renewable, continually replenishing itself, hence earning the label of sustainable energy. Plants, animal waste, and hydrogen are also part of the clean energy sources obtained from nature. In contrast to depleting fossil energy sources, clean energy is more cost-effective, environmentally friendly, contributes to the preservation of nature, and allows for more efficient utilization of natural resources. Renewable energy’s clean nature not only avoids harming the environment but also plays a significant role in closing our country’s energy trade deficit.

 

Q4-) Based on your experiences, what are the necessary steps that should be taken in the energy sector from now on?

 

Due to Turkey’s high potential in renewable energy, the country’s energy potential should be evaluated, and long-term new incentive mechanisms for licensed projects should be established. Various incentive mechanisms are used in different countries around the world, and in our country, incentive mechanisms should be developed to enable investors to realize investment opportunities in a short period, minimize project risks, and promote domestic production and industry development, leading to job opportunities. As the world’s population increases, industrial development is rapidly advancing, leading to an increase in emissions caused by new technologies. This situation results in the severe consequences of abrupt climate change in different regions of the world. With the rapid digitization in today’s world, the electricity and cooling energy needs used for data storage have become equivalent to the energy needs of small countries. This situation is interpreted as increased energy consumption and more emissions being released into the atmosphere. To balance the increasing energy demand and emissions each day, two ways are essential: “Efficient use of energy and widespread use of renewable energy.” Approximately 55% of the world’s population lives in cities. The major portion of energy used in cities is for electricity purposes in buildings and industrial facilities for heating and cooling activities. By increasing the use of renewable energy in cities, clean energy production can be promoted.