The Bandırma Hydrogen Valley, known as HYSouthMarmara, is poised to become a beacon of green energy innovation, harnessing the power of renewable resources to produce green hydrogen and revolutionize the country’s energy and industrial sectors.
Turkey’s strategic move towards green hydrogen comes in response to the European Commission’s impending regulation on trade with non-EU countries, which aims to decarbonize trade and disincentivize carbon-intensive products. With over 50% of Turkey’s trade balance reliant on exports to Europe, the pressure is on for Turkey to adapt its exports and find new trade partners. The Bandırma Hydrogen Valley, with its potential to produce green hydrogen at an unprecedented scale, presents an ingenious solution to both environmental and economic challenges.
The choice of Bandırma, a small town south of the Marmara Sea, as the hub for this revolutionary initiative is no coincidence. Boasting a remarkable 21% of Turkey’s wind farms, Bandırma holds the key to unlocking vast renewable energy potential. This abundant renewable capacity serves as the backbone for the production of green hydrogen, the cleanest and most valuable form of hydrogen.
By capitalizing on Bandırma’s extensive renewable resources, Turkish engineers are set to embark on a journey towards sustainable energy production. The process involves harnessing wind and solar power to generate green hydrogen through electrolysis, thereby paving the way for cleaner electricity and reduced carbon emissions. The only remaining challenge lies in the establishment of high-capacity electrolysis facilities, a hurdle that seems well within reach given Turkey’s determination and the project’s significant investments.
The implications of HYSouthMarmara extend beyond mere energy production. The project offers Turkey the potential to diversify its industrial output, particularly in the context of boron-based production. As a global leader in boron reserves, Turkey can leverage green hydrogen to facilitate the development of sustainable alternatives. The coupling of green hydrogen with boron opens doors to the production of sodium borohydride, a hydrogen storage compound with applications in the automotive industry, including electric cars and, notably, alternative jet fuels.
International recognition and support for the Bandırma Hydrogen Valley underscore its significance. The European Union’s investment of €8 million and the backing of institutions such as Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) serve as testaments to the project’s credibility and potential. As construction commences and HYSouthMarmara nears operational status, Turkey stands poised to redefine its energy landscape, diversify its industrial offerings, and emerge as a leading player in the global shift towards cleaner, carbon-free energy sources.
