7.4.4 Policy development for clean energy technology
Boğaziçi University carries out various activities to inform and support governments in the development of clean energy and energy efficiency technologies. The University's Energy Policy Research Centre (EPAM) plays an active role in this area, advising governments.
Development of Clean Energy and Energy Efficiency Policies
Boğaziçi University's work through EPAM aims to guide governments in the development and implementation of clean energy and energy efficiency policies. Through scientific research and strategic analyses, EPAM contributes to informed policy making on energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. These studies help shape Turkey's national energy policies towards a sustainable future.

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban and International Cooperation
Boğaziçi University's Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KRDAE) plays an important role in monitoring nuclear weapons tests and developing international co-operation in this field. KRDAE carries out strategic, technical and scientific studies on monitoring and analysing nuclear tests within the framework of agreements between the government of the Republic of Turkey and the US government. These studies contribute to Turkey's national security policies and represent Turkey in international platforms.

- Boğaziçi University's Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute
- Belbasi Nuclear Tests Monitoring Centre
- Regional Earthquake-Tsunami Monitoring Centre
- Iznik Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Centre
Boğaziçi University's work in this field continues to make significant contributions to the development of sustainable energy policies at both local and global levels.

International Achievements and Contributions
Prof. Dr. Nurcan Meral Özel from Boğaziçi University has been awarded the Order of the State of Japan for her successful work at the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). Prof. Dr. Özel has played an important role in the detection of nuclear tests worldwide and diplomatic initiatives in this field between 2014-2022. These achievements demonstrate the internationally recognised scientific competence of Boğaziçi University and its impact on energy policies.
Boğaziçi University's Commitment to Clean Energy Policies
Boğaziçi University continues to contribute to the development of energy policies at national and international level by collaborating with governments on energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. These studies, carried out through the University's centres such as EPAM, provide strategic support to governments in achieving clean energy and sustainability goals.
You can find more information about these studies and related information from the links below:
- Boğaziçi University Energy Policy Research Centre (EPAM)
- EPAM Study Areas and Projects
- Boğaziçi University's Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute
- Belbasi Nuclear Tests Monitoring Centre
- Regional Earthquake-Tsunami Monitoring Centre
- Iznik Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Centre
“The Future of Sustainable Energy is Discussed in Bosphorus”
Between 25-28 June 2024, Boğaziçi University hosted the 45th International Conference of the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE). The event was held at the Albert Long Hall building located on the university's South Campus.
The conference was attended by 450 delegates from 70 countries. Participants included world-renowned academics, energy sector professionals, policymakers and opinion leaders. The conference addressed the major challenges and opportunities facing the global energy system. The main topics discussed were:
- Energy security
- Renewable energy sources
- Hydrogen technology
- Carbon pricing
- Climate change
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
- Energy efficiency
Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Naci İnci, who delivered the opening speech of the conference, said that this year's theme was ‘Energy in Transition: Sustainability, Security, Efficiency and Accessibility.’ In his speech, he stated that it has become imperative to produce innovative and coordinated solutions in the face of increasing global energy demand and uncertainties in access to energy resources.
Inci also referred to Boğaziçi University's scientific studies in this field and emphasised that the university is at the forefront of energy innovation. In this context:
- The Kilyos Campus is home to Europe's first carbon-negative biorefinery.
- This biorefinery contributes to sustainability by producing valuable resources from microalgae.
- Research is being conducted at the university on wind and solar energy, bioenergy and hydrogen technologies,
- Researchers and students are actively involved in projects on energy efficiency, renewable technologies and sustainable energy policies.

Prof. Dr. Gürkan Kumbaroğlu, Vice Rector of Boğaziçi University and expert in energy economics, expressed his satisfaction with the conference being held in Istanbul for the second time. Kumbaroğlu stated that energy sustainability is becoming an increasingly important priority both in Turkey and around the world, and that this conference will make important contributions to a clean, stable and sustainable energy future.
IAEE President Anne Neumann said that the conferences bring together experts and scientists of all ages. Neumann stated that such international events are of great importance in terms of:
- Sharing knowledge and experience,
- Establishing new partnerships,
- Contributing to the shaping of global energy policies.
The conference is regarded as a vital platform for developing scientific solutions to global challenges in the energy sector and for fostering collaborations. Boğaziçi University demonstrated its commitment to continuing to play a leading role in energy transformation through hosting this event.

https://haberler.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/news/kampus/2/surdurulebilir-enerjinin-gelecegi-bogazicinde/2843
2024 Sustainability Report SDG-7 (Related Section)
News
Energy Efficiency Award to Boğaziçi University
In the second Inter-University Energy Efficiency Competition (ÜNVER- 2) organised by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in 2023, Boğaziçi University was awarded an honourable mention for its energy efficiency practices in the South Campus. In addition to the award, a certificate of appreciation was presented to our University by Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Programmes for Local Communities
Boğaziçi University organises various trainings for a wide range of participants in order to raise social awareness on energy efficiency and clean energy issues. These training programmes, prepared by Boğaziçi University Lifelong Learning Centre (BÜYEM), are offered to students, employees and managers at individual or corporate level. The programmes contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and environmentally sensitive society by shaping corporate policies through the individuals they reach.
Corporate Sustainability Certificate Programme (CSSP)
The Corporate Sustainability Certificate Programme, which has been running for 22 years in cooperation with BÜYEM, UN SDSN Turkey and REC Turkey, is the first certified training programme in its field, designed in the light of the contributions of Turkey's leading universities and international experience.

The programme offers comprehensive courses on sustainability such as Turkey's Energy Policies and Clean Energy, Carbon Management, Just Transition to a Carbon-Free Economy, Green and Digital Transformation in Industry, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment . The programme is attended by experts and managers working in different areas of large enterprises such as sustainability, environment, R&D, corporate communication and strategy. The programme offers participants the opportunity to expand their sustainability knowledge, enhance their organisations' reputation and strengthen their social responsibility.
Click here for detailed information:
https://buyem.bogazici.edu.tr/course/kurumsal-surdurulebilirlik-programi
Sustainability Strategy Programme for Managers (KS-YISS)
The Sustainability Strategy for Managers Programme, implemented in cooperation with BÜYEM and Sustainability Academy, offers managers innovative approaches focused on sustainability. The programme has a comprehensive content consisting of strategies to increase competitiveness and brand value in areas such as marketing, procurement, human resources, operations management, supply chain, energy and resource efficiency, national and global developments, sustainability practices and case studies. The programme, planned as 15 sessions in total, supports managers to make effective decisions by providing up-to-date information on sustainable business strategies.
Click here for detailed information:
https://buyem.bogazici.edu.tr/course/yoneticiler-icin-surdurulebilirlik-stratejisi

Click here for detailed information:
https://buyem.bogazici.edu.tr/course/yoneticiler-icin-surdurulebilirlik-stratejisi
Smart Life Academy: Training for a Sustainable Future
A Sustainable Future Education programme, implemented in partnership with Zorlu Holding and imeceLAB and with the academic partnership of BÜYEM, aims to equip young people with basic competencies in sustainability.

All university students who are concerned about sustainability- oriented issues and want to increase their knowledge in this field can apply to the programme. During the training process, young people's achievements and the perspectives formed by the curriculum are transformed into various contents, and participants who successfully complete the programme are given a certificate of participation.
For detailed information, please click here:
https://imece.com/temalar/surdurulebilirlik_akademisi
Smart Life Academy: Sustainability 101 Training
In line with its Smart Life 2030 vision, Zorlu Holding continues its Sustainability 101 training programme, organised in cooperation with BÜYEM, to increase the knowledge of its employees on sustainability. In 2023, 300 Zorlu Group employees participated in the programme, which completed its 4th term, and comprehensive courses were offered on topics such as the basics of sustainability, entrepreneurship and innovation, corporate sustainability, inclusion and diversity.
Click here to read the news:
https://www.ekoiq.com/akilli-hayat-akademisinde-4-donem-egitimleri-tamamlandi/
Zorlu Enerji Experience Programme (Zexperience)

Zexperience is an innovative learning platform offered to Zorlu Enerji scholarship holders in the fields of energy, climate, sustainability, technology and communication in partnership with imeceLAB and Zorlu Holding, and with the academic partnership of BÜYEM. In 17 online trainings given by BÜYEM academics and Zorlu Enerji experts, topics such as renewable energy sources, the latest developments in energy technologies, carbon markets and electric vehicle technologies are covered. 49 scholarship holders who participated in the programme in 2023 had the opportunity to gain knowledge and competence in these fields.
For detailed information, please click here:
https://imece.com/temalar/zorlu-enerji-experience
Trainings for EPİAŞ Personnel:
In the training leg of the cooperation protocol signed between Boğaziçi University and Enerji Piyasaları İşletme A.Ş. (EPİAŞ), it is aimed to increase the competencies of EPİAŞ personnel in energy markets with the training modules offered by BÜYEM.
Click here to read the news:
Support to the Development of Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Policies
Through its scientific research and projects, Boğaziçi University provides information and support to local, regional, national and international governments in the development of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. It also contributes to the implementation of national and international policies by monitoring and reporting nuclear tests banned by the Treaty on the Comprehensive Prohibition of Nuclear Testing (CTBT) worldwide.
Energy Policy Research Centre (EPAM)

Boğaziçi University's Energy Policy Research Centre (EPAM) aims to guide governments in the development of clean energy and energy efficiency policies. EPAM approaches energy policies from a multidisciplinary perspective, conducts scientific research, organises training programmes, and establishes national and international cooperation networks. The Centre contributes to the formulation of informed energy policies by providing a scientific, transparent, reliable and easily accessible consultation and decision support environment for public administration, policy makers and experts. With these activities, EPAM aims to be a leading research and application centre in the development and implementation of sustainable energy policies at local, national, regional and international levels.
For detailed information, please click here:
BÜEMS Turkey Model under the Leadership of EPAM & IAEE
Boğaziçi University, under the leadership of EPAM and the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE), has created the most advanced modelling system in the field of energy in Turkey to date with the project ‘Development of Boğaziçi University Energy Modelling System and Investigation of the Effects of Greenhouse Gas Emission Restrictions on Turkey: BÜEMS Turkey Model and Scenario Analysis’ project, it has created the most advanced modelling system in the field of energy in Turkey to date. With this model, various scenario analyses were carried out in which carbon emissions are restricted and carbon tax is defined. The project aimed to present projections until 2050 in line with different parameters and scenarios in the energy sector, while analysing the costs and impacts of these projections on the energy system. With the results of the study, it is aimed to provide support for both short and long term energy-environmental planning and policies of Turkey.
Click here to read the news:
INDEPENDENT Project: Leading Contribution to the European Green Deal Goals
The Integrated Biorefinery Concept for Bioeconomy Driven Development (INDEPENDENT) project is already contributing to the Green Deal targets of the EU and Turkey through its 100% renewable wind powered site and zero waste based bioenergy applications. The project provides a model to guide governments in the development of clean energy and energy efficient technology policies.

Boğaziçi University will be a model for the EU with its Carbon Negative Biorefinery
The carbon-negative biorefinery at Boğaziçi University Kilyos Sarıtepe Campus under the INDEPENDENT Project is a strong model for clean energy policies for EU countries, setting an example for the European Union's (EU) Green Deal targets. As emphasised by the Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, this innovative project reflects Turkey's commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement, strengthens R&D cooperation between Turkey and Europe and represents an important step towards reducing carbon emissions. By providing a direct transfer of knowledge and expertise from Turkey to the EU, this study is a valuable guide for governments in developing energy efficiency and clean energy policies.

Click here to read the news:
https://haberler.bogazici.edu.tr/tr/news/bilim/4/bogazici-universitesinde-avrupanin-ilk-karbon/2502
KRDAE-Belbashi Nuclear Test Monitoring Centre
KRDAE-Belbaşı Nuclear Test Monitoring Centre operates within the framework of Law No. 4462 on the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and Law No. 5031 on the ratification of the agreement between the Government of the Republic of Turkey and the Government of the United States of America on the closure of the Belbaşı facility and the activation of a new seismic research station. In this context, the centre is responsible for operating the Belbaşı-Keskin seismic arrays, sending the collected signals simultaneously to the International Data Centre (IDC) of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) and the U.S. Air Force Technical Applications Centre (AFTAC), participating in CTBTO technical meetings, and conducting strategic, technical and scientific studies on the subject. (Figures produced by CTBTO)

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty:

The Centre closely monitors the nuclear tests conducted around the world and immediately transmits the relevant analysis and evaluation reports to the Directorate General for International Security Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey and the Permanent Mission to the UN in Vienna. In order to represent our country and our Institute, technical and scientific meetings of CTBTO are regularly attended and the Task Leadership of CTBTO - Technical Working Group - Tests, Temporary Operations and Yield Evaluation is currently carried out by the Central Directorate and in this context, international support is provided to the work of CTBTO.
For detailed information, please click here:
https://belbasi.bogazici.edu.tr/
You can access the reports prepared so far from the links below:
03 September 2017 DPRK Nuclear Test - NDIM:
https://belbasi.bogazici.edu.tr/sites/belbasi.boun.edu.tr/files/3_sep_2017_0.pdf
09 September 2016 DPRK Nuclear Test - NDIM:
https://belbasi.bogazici.edu.tr/sites/belbasi.boun.edu.tr/files/9_eylul2016.pdf
06 January 2016 DPRK Nuclear Test - NDIM:
https://belbasi.bogazici.edu.tr/sites/belbasi.boun.edu.tr/files/6ocak2016.pdf
12 February 2013 DPRK Nuclear Test - NDIM:
https://belbasi.bogazici.edu.tr/sites/belbasi.boun.edu.tr/files/12_feb_2013_1.pdf
25 May 2009 DPRK Nuclear Test - NDIM:
ttps://belbasi.bogazici.edu.tr/sites/belbasi.boun.edu.tr/files/25_may_2009_1.pdf

KRDAE Department of Geophysics Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Nurcan Meral Özel was awarded the State Order of Japan
Boğaziçi University Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute (KRDAE) Department of Geophysics Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Nurcan Meral Özel has been appointed to the International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) between 2014 and 2022. Prof. Dr. Nurcan Meral Özel was awarded Japan's prestigious state decoration ‘Golden Lights, Order of the Rising Sun and Neck Tie’ on the 100th anniversary of Turkey-Japan diplomatic relations for her successful work in the International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) between 2014 and 2022 and for her significant contributions to the development of the organisation's cooperation with Japan.
In 2014, Prof. Dr Özel was elected as the director of the International Monitoring System (IMS), which is used by 183 countries to detect nuclear tests around the world. Responsible for the detection of possible nuclear detonations and the maintenance of the global network of facilities, he has undertaken successful initiatives to build the IMS with the diplomatic and scientific representatives of the signatory states, has installed many new monitoring stations in various parts of the world, and has made significant contributions to the establishment of a world free of nuclear weapons.

Click here to read the news:
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