The global shift towards renewable energy sources and decarbonization has led to increased interest in green hydrogen production.
In this context, Turkey is emerging as a potential player in green hydrogen production due to its high clean energy potential and lower production costs compared to European countries.
According to Yusuf Günay, the President of the Green Hydrogen Producers Association, Turkey has the potential to produce green hydrogen more cheaply and efficiently than European countries due to its abundant domestic resources for electricity production. Günay stated that Turkey’s clean energy potential for green hydrogen production is high compared to Europe, and the yield to be obtained from green hydrogen production investment in Turkey is at least 50 per cent higher than in Europe. This indicates that if investments in green hydrogen production are realized in Turkey, hydrogen production will be much cheaper than in other countries.
Günay also emphasized the need for the establishment of wind and solar power plants without grid connections in areas where Turkey’s domestic resources are efficient in electricity production. He stated that regions such as Konya, Karaman, and Çanakkale should be declared hydrogen production zones, and off-grid power generation plants and hydrogen production farms that can produce hydrogen should be established in these regions. The electricity generated from these plants should only be used for the production of green hydrogen, which can be traded to Europe via pipelines or transported in ammonia as in Germany.
Moreover, Günay suggested that Turkey should take part in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) hydrogen investments with the EU. He argued that Turkey could be the most valuable supplier for the hydrogen needs of Germany and the EU, and Turkey’s pipelines should be integrated into the European Backbone mapping, where the EU’s pipelines are shown. He stressed the need for a pipeline for pure green hydrogen, which should be on the agenda.
The potential impact of green hydrogen production in Turkey is significant. It can contribute to the country’s economic growth by creating job opportunities, reducing energy dependency on foreign countries, and improving air quality. It can also play a crucial role in achieving Turkey’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep the global temperature rise below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Furthermore, Turkey’s participation in MENA hydrogen investments with the EU can enhance its geopolitical position and strengthen its energy security.
