Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) President Mustafa Yılmaz stated that they aim to create a reliable, transparent and effectively functioning Emission Trading System (ETS) market within the scope of Türkiye's energy transformation and climate goals. Yılmaz emphasized that while the system encourages emission reduction, it should also take into account the competitiveness of the energy and industrial sectors.
Making evaluations before the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to be held in Antalya, hosted by Türkiye, Yılmaz made statements about the emission trading system, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy storage investments and energy efficiency practices.
EMISSIONS TRADING SYSTEM REGULATION HAS BEEN IN EFFECT
Yılmaz stated 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. At the Board meeting of EMRA dated October 1, 2026, the decision regarding the regulation regulating the functioning of the Turkish Emission Trading System market was conveyed.
"Regulation on the Operation of the Turkish Emission Trading System Market" came into force by being published in the Official Gazette on October 21. The regulation aims to clarify the basic operating rules of the market.
Pointing out that carbon costs may become a critical element in the future in the system, which is expected to produce significant results for electricity generation plants and industrial enterprises, Yılmaz stated that a balance is maintained between emission reduction and the costs that market participants may encounter.
Yılmaz 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 the energy transition."
Stating that ETS should not be considered only as a new obligation or market, Yılmaz noted that the system will be one of the important tools for the transition to clean energy, low-carbon transformation of the industry and international competitiveness.
"IT IS TIME TO TRANSFORM TARGETS AT COP31 INTO CONCRETE INVESTMENTS"
Stating that Türkiye's hosting of COP31 makes the country's responsibility in the global climate agenda and its role in the energy transformation even more important, Yılmaz said that climate targets should be supported with concrete 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." he said.
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 stated that energy supply security, market balances and consumer interests are taken into consideration together.
ENERGY STORAGE INVESTMENTS STAND OUT
Stating that EMRA attaches strategic importance to energy storage investments, Yılmaz said that these investments are critical in terms of the integration of renewable energy into the system, network flexibility, supply continuity and price stability.
Yılmaz emphasized that for the energy transformation to be successful, simply increasing the production capacity will not be enough, and the transmission and distribution infrastructure, storage facilities and market mechanisms must also be developed 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 noted that EMRA will also contribute to the organization with its legislation and practices.
STORAGE PERIOD IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
Stating that electric vehicles play an important role in the decarbonization of the transportation sector, Yılmaz stated that they aim to develop the charging infrastructure in a rapid and planned manner 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 and protects consumer rights, Yılmaz drew attention to the importance of using energy storage systems together with charging stations, especially in regions where demand is intense.
Yılmaz made the following evaluation:
"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.
30 PERCENT OF THE ELECTRICITY NEED OF EMRA BUILDING IS FROM SOLAR
Referring to EMRA's energy efficiency practices, Yılmaz stated that thanks to the systems used in the institution's service building, 400 to 450 tons of carbon emissions are reduced annually compared to a standard building. Stating that approximately 2,500 tons of carbon emissions have been prevented in the last six years since the building was put into service, Yılmaz stated that this is equivalent to approximately 29 thousand trees.
Stating that approximately 55 percent energy efficiency is achieved in these areas thanks to the automation of lighting and air conditioning systems, Yılmaz said that an average of 30 percent of the annual electricity needs of the building are met by solar energy.
Yılmaz said, "We love our sun very much, we try to benefit from its energy to the maximum extent. With this solar energy system you see, we meet an average of 30 percent of our annual electricity needs 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." he said.
Stating that vehicle charging is also provided with the battery-solar energy system that works independently of the grid, Yılmaz noted that an annual average of 80 percent of the water needed in landscaping areas is met with the rainwater collection tank.
Stating that the EPDK service building has LEED Gold and TSE Safe Green Building certificates, Yılmaz added that the applications set an example in terms of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
