Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) President Mustafa Yılmaz evaluated the country's regulatory work on energy transformation, emission trading system, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and EMRA's energy efficiency practices before the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) to be held in Antalya.
Stating that they see protecting the environment, combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions as integral elements of Türkiye's energy transformation, Yılmaz said that significant progress has been made in the work on establishing an emission trading system.
Stating that they are working with institutions and stakeholders, especially the relevant ministries and the Climate Change Directorate, within the scope of the Climate Law and related sub-regulations, Yılmaz stated that they made a decision regarding the regulation regulating the functioning of the Turkish Emission Trading System market at the Board meeting dated October 1, 2026.
The "Regulation on the Operation of the Turkish Emission Trading System Market", which Yılmaz stated would clarify the basic operating rules of the market, came into force after being published in the Official Gazette on October 21.
Stating that the emission trading system to be established in Türkiye will have important consequences for electricity generation plants and industrial enterprises, Yılmaz said that carbon costs may become a critical element in the future.
Yılmaz emphasized that a delicate balance was observed between emission reduction and the costs that market participants may face in the development of the system, and said: "It is extremely important for us that the market both encourages emission reduction and does not create unpredictable and unfair costs on the participants. Our next goal is to ensure the formation of a reliable, transparent, liquid and effectively functioning emission trading system market in Türkiye. We want to establish a market structure where prices are set correctly, participants can trade safely and gives correct price signals for energy transformation."
Stating that ETS should not be considered only as a new obligation or market, Yılmaz stated that the system will be one of the important tools of the transition to clean energy, low-carbon transformation of the industry and international competitiveness.
Yılmaz stated that EMRA will fulfill its regulatory responsibility in the development of the electricity and natural gas markets with the same sensitivity and determination in the ETS market, and stated that they will continue their efforts to create a reliable and effectively functioning market structure.
Stating that Türkiye's hosting of COP31 makes the country's responsibility in the global climate agenda and its role in energy transformation even more important, Yılmaz said that climate targets should be supported by practical steps.
Yılmaz said, "In order to achieve climate goals, it is time not only to set targets, but also to turn these targets into concrete investments, strong infrastructures and applicable policies. In fact, it is already passing."
Explaining that electrification, greater inclusion of renewable energy sources into the system and making the networks ready for this transformation are at the center of the energy transformation, Yılmaz noted that Türkiye is based on a transformation approach that considers energy supply security, market balances and consumer interests together.
Yılmaz stated that EMRA has developed its regulatory framework in line with technological developments and the needs of the new energy system and that they attach strategic importance to energy storage investments, and continued: "We see energy storage investments, in particular, as a strategic element in terms of the integration of renewable energy into the system, network flexibility, supply continuity and price stability. In order for the energy transformation to be successful, not only the production capacity, but also the transmission and distribution infrastructure, storage facilities and market mechanisms must develop at the same pace."
Stating that they believe that COP31 will be an important platform that will strengthen experience sharing and concrete cooperation between countries, Yılmaz said that the summit is also important for the promotion of Türkiye in the international arena.
Stating that EMRA will contribute to the organization, Yılmaz said, "As an institution, we will provide the support we can to this organization with our knowledge, exemplary practices, and the legislation we have prepared and the decisions we have taken." he said.
Stating that electric vehicles constitute an important transformation area in the decarbonization of the transportation sector, Yılmaz said that they aim to ensure the rapid and planned development of the charging infrastructure in parallel with the spread of electric vehicles in Türkiye.
Stating that they have adopted a regulatory approach that paves the way for investors in the charging service market, protects competition, protects consumer rights and adapts to technological developments, Yılmaz stated that they regularly update the projections for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Drawing attention to the role of charging infrastructure in energy transformation, Yılmaz pointed out the importance of using energy storage systems and charging stations together, especially in regions where demand is intense.
Yılmaz said: "We believe that charging infrastructure should be considered not only as an infrastructure that meets the energy needs of vehicles, but also as an important element of energy transformation. We see the use of energy storage systems together with charging stations, especially in regions where charging demand is intense, as an important opportunity for more effective use of the infrastructure and dissemination of high-power charging service."
Stating that the widespread use of electric vehicles will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the transportation sector, Yılmaz stated that they aim to create a strong and sustainable charging ecosystem that supports Türkiye's energy transformation.
Yılmaz said that EMRA aims to set an example for the public and private sectors not only with its regulatory decisions but also with its energy efficiency practices and service buildings.
Stating that thanks to the energy efficiency systems used in the institution's service building, 400 to 450 tons of carbon emissions are reduced annually compared to a standard building, Yılmaz stated that approximately 2,500 tons of carbon emissions have been prevented in the 6 years since the building was put into service.
Yılmaz stated that the amount in question is equivalent to approximately 29 thousand trees, and that approximately 55 percent energy efficiency is achieved in these areas thanks to the automated management of the lighting and air conditioning systems in the building.
Stating that they also benefit from solar energy to meet the energy needs of the building, Yılmaz said: "We love our sun very much, we try to benefit from its energy at the maximum level. With this solar energy system you see, we meet an average of 30 percent of our annual electricity need directly from the sun, with clean energy and at no cost. Again, with the solar collectors on the roof of the building, we meet 60 percent of the hot water needed in our institution."
Yılmaz stated that they also provide vehicle charging with the battery-solar energy system that works independently of the grid, and that an average of 80 percent of the water needed in landscape areas is met annually through the rainwater collection tank.
Stating that the EPDK service building has LEED Gold and TSE Safe Green Building certificates, Yılmaz added that these practices set an example in terms of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
