Turkey and Japan are seizing the opportunity to collaborate on what is often referred to as “the oil of the future” – hydrogen and renewable energy. Japanese Ambassador to Ankara, Takahiko Katsumata, recently highlighted the immense potential for cooperation between the two nations in the energy sector.
The groundwork for this promising collaboration was laid during a meeting between Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Nishimura Yasutoshi, held in Istanbul on September 5. This meeting served as a platform to evaluate potential areas of cooperation, with a particular focus on energy-related matters.
As a tangible outcome of their discussions, both ministers signed a joint declaration officially launching the “Turkey-Japan Energy Forum.” This forum represents a significant step forward in their efforts to foster closer energy ties.
Ambassador Katsumata emphasized that both Turkey and Japan face energy-related challenges as countries heavily dependent on foreign energy sources. While Turkey stands as a strategic geographical bridge between resource-rich Middle Eastern nations and energy-hungry Europe, Japan has embarked on a journey to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. These shared challenges serve as a compelling reason for mutual cooperation in the energy sector.
Ambassador Katsumata underscored the potential of hydrogen, particularly in the form of new-generation and renewable energy, as a promising area for cooperation. Japan, known for its technological advancements, is committed to exploring hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy carrier. The recent visit of Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi to Turkey resulted in the signing of the ‘Japan-Turkey Energy Forum’ declaration, signifying the importance of hydrogen in their energy cooperation.
Katsumata highlighted that a diverse range of private sector initiatives in both countries could further facilitate cooperation in the field of hydrogen and renewable energy. He pointed to the Japan Economy Conference, where cooperation opportunities in energy were explored, laying the foundation for the future of their joint endeavors.
Besides hydrogen and renewable energy, bilateral relations can also be enhanced in the mining sector. Discussions between the two countries’ ministers have explored cooperation opportunities related to critical minerals. The specifics of this cooperation will be developed in the coming days through joint coordination efforts.
Japan has been identified as a potential partner for Turkey’s second nuclear power plant project in Sinop. Beyond large-scale projects, both nations are keen to explore cooperation in smaller-scale renewable energy initiatives. This collaborative approach reflects their shared commitment to diversifying their energy sources and reducing their carbon footprint.
As Turkey and Japan embark on this energy journey together, their cooperation promises to not only enhance their own energy security but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for the world. The Turkey-Japan Energy Forum signifies a strategic alliance aimed at addressing the global energy challenges of our time.
