Clean Energy Equipment and Service Exporters' Association

Clean Energy Equipment and Service Exporters Association Izmir plays a key role in Turkey's transition to clean energy through the clustering of both renewable energy sources and companies operating in primary and secondary industries. Aegean Exporters Associations continues its efforts to establish Turkey's first Clean Energy Equipment and Service Exporters Association for stronger representation of the clean energy sector. Jak Eskinazi, Coordinator President of Aegean Exporters Associations: "According to data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), global renewable/clean energy production capacity increased by 295 GW (9.6%) in 2022. Of this capacity increase, 141 GW (48%) came from China. The increase in Turkey was 2.8 GW, representing 0.9% of the global increase. China's leading position in global solar energy technology and production capacity is becoming increasingly concentrated. Izmir holds 17% of Turkey's installed wind energy capacity. New-generation investments in clean energy are underway, particularly in Aliağa, Bergama, Çandarlı, Dikili, and Menemen. We can clearly state that Izmir's northern axis will soon become a center for clean energy manufacturing." he said. Clean energy equipment exports at approximately USD 1.5 billion annually Eskinazi emphasized that the Clean Energy Equipment and Service Exporters Association planned within EİB will also serve as a reference point for international capital considering investment in Turkey. "Field research shows that Turkey's clean energy equipment exports are at approximately USD 1.5 billion annually. However, there is no special Customs Tariff Statistical Position (GTİP) classification that records the exports of our companies operating in the clean energy sector and producing machinery, equipment, components and parts. EİB began work to establish a Clean Energy Equipment and Service Exporters Association within its structure last year. The sector is willing to support this initiative and we are receiving considerable public backing. We continue to examine the products and services of 309 companies exporting in the clean energy equipment field, 200 of which are based in Izmir. Bringing this Association into Aegean Exporters Associations will be among our priorities in the coming period."

Energy independence is only possible through clean energy Jak Eskinazi stated: "Reaching 40 GW solar and 30 GW wind capacity by 2030 will cut Turkey's electricity production dependency in half. Currently, solar energy stands at 9 GW and wind energy at 11 GW capacity. Energy independence is only possible through clean energy. With the establishment of the Clean Energy Equipment and Service Exporters Association, we will enable our companies to benefit from government support, design and brand incentives, international marketing activities, and certification support, and most importantly, allow them to discuss their problems under one roof and follow up with the Ministry." he said. Çandarlı Port can be used as the world's most important production hub for offshore wind energy President Eskinazi emphasized that many countries, particularly in Europe, have established and commissioned offshore wind power plants. "According to a World Bank report, there is a potential for a total of 54 GW offshore wind energy installation across four designated regions in Turkey. In this context, Izmir offers significant opportunities for investors in terms of onshore and offshore wind power plant installations to be carried out in the coming period. Rather than being used as a port in the short term, Çandarlı Port, whose foundation was laid in May 2011, could be evaluated as a center that could make Turkey the world's most important production hub for offshore wind energy. This is because the clean energy sector requires large areas for installation. In Aliağa, investments are primarily focused on hydrogen, the energy of the future. Apart from wind energy, Izmir is a city where numerous companies operate in solar, geothermal, biomass, and hydrogen sectors." Turkey's largest investors operating in the clean energy sector are located here Jak Eskinazi stated: "Turkey's largest investors operating in the clean energy sector are already located in Menemen Free Zone and Bergama. A new large clean energy cluster is forming in Bergama's BASBAŞ Western Anatolia Free Zone, Izmir's third free zone established in the city. A second new free zone is also being established in Menemen. Major global players will make new investments in these locations. All four of our country's wind turbine blade factories are in Izmir. Similarly, five of our country's seven wind turbine tower companies operate in Izmir. Izmir is the only city hosting an R&D center in the country. Last year, our country's first R&D center in the wind energy sector began operations in Izmir. The strengthening of logistics infrastructure with the Istanbul-Çanakkale Highway and the Çanakkale Strait is also a major advantage." he said.