New formula in energy: Independence + competition

Sanem Arman - COP31, which brought the world together for climate in Turkey, also opened the doors to energy transformation opportunities. Koç Holding Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ali Koç, drew attention to this ground in the press meeting he held with Koç Holding CEO Levent Çakıroğlu: "I think this transformation creates great opportunities for Turkey. We can benefit from these opportunities, we cannot benefit from them, time will tell. The ecosystem in which this transformation is to be successful is very important." Another point he finds important is that the summit showcases Turkey's energy vision: "There is no need for newer targets anymore. It is clear what needs to be done. It is a great opportunity for us to reach the 'Enough talk, take action' period where problems will turn into action, and I think we will use this opportunity well."

Emphasizing that climate targets and economic interests now meet at the same point, Koç said, "It is no longer an obligation or a choice, but an economic obligation. It affects the economy, it affects inflation, it affects election results."

Explaining that the Russia-Ukraine War and the Hormuz crisis brought energy security to the center of the agenda, Koç said that Turkey's monthly energy cost increased by 49 percent after the Hormuz crisis. Ali Koç said, "The formula for energy transformation is energy independence plus economic competitiveness" in the new era when countries are turning inward, and stated that Europe is participating in this race with regulation and carbon pricing, and the USA is participating in this race with all kinds of resources, from shale gas to nuclear. Koç also cited the exit of the world's largest economy from the Paris Agreement in January 2025 as one of the important factors of the transformation.

Reminding that Turkey is two-thirds dependent on foreign energy, Koç said, "Energy deposits are right under our noses, but despite this, we are one of the countries most affected." Stating that Turkey has the opportunity to take a position in the value chain of transformation with its engineering capacity and industry, Koç said, "We have the flour, sugar and materials to make halva. The point is to bring it together."

Reaction to Made in EU

Ali Koç said that the possibility of the EU excluding Turkey from the scope of Made in EU will deeply affect the automotive industry. Stating that 28 billion euros were imported and 26 billion euros were exported in the automotive sector last year, and that Turkey is Europe's second largest market in terms of quantity and third largest in terms of value, Koç stated that such a decision would bring the relationship that has been win-win for 30 years to a lose-lose level. Koç said, "When we talk about Made in Europe among ourselves, we call it insanity." Pointing out that nearly 45 percent of trade is made with Europe, Koç emphasized that it would be difficult to compensate for exclusion.

8.5 billion dollars to Tüpraş

Levent Çakıroğlu announced that Koç Group has invested 17.5 billion dollars in the last 5 years, and 8.5 billion dollars have been invested in Tüpraş to date. The community's self-consumption licenses are around 540 megawatts, of which more than 200 megawatts have been completed. Seven companies, including Arçelik's Türkiye operations, Ford Otosan, TürkTraktör, Entek, Yapı Kredi and Otokoç, provide all of the energy they use from renewable sources. Entek's 478 megawatt renewable capacity will increase to 827 megawatts by the end of next year. The target is to increase the capacity to 1.6 gigawatts in 2030 and 2.5 gigawatts in 2035.

Opportunity for cooperation with China

Ali Koç said that China holds 92 percent of global solar panel production, 84 percent of battery storage capacity, 74 percent of wind turbine capacity and 35 percent of heat pump capacity. Stating that 90 percent of the equipment used in wind energy in Turkey comes from China, Koç said, "In my opinion, need is already an issue that fuels creativity and innovation." Koç said, "Financing is very expensive in our country right now. I think cooperation is possible."