Reflection of the European Green Deal on Green Transformation in Turkey

Burakcan Ekizoğlu

Turkey is making significant strides in the green transformation process. The World Bank has provided a loan of 155 million USD to support the green transformation of companies in Turkey. This loan will be channeled through the Turkish Industrial Development Bank (TSKB) and used to capitalize the Turkey Green Fund. This fund will provide capital financing to green companies and those undergoing transformation.

Green Deal Compliance Project

The Ministry of Trade’s Green Deal Compliance Project aims to support the corporate sustainability-focused transformations of exporting companies within the scope of the European Green Deal. Through this project, exporters will be able to create a roadmap that facilitates their adaptation to the green transformation process and access to national and international funds.

Medium-Term Program (MTP) and Green Transformation Goals

Turkey’s green transformation goals are also included in the Medium-Term Program (MTP). The program envisages the development of new approaches to support green transformation and the transition to a circular economy in the fields of industry, trade, transportation, environment, and energy. In this context, it is planned to support investments that increase recycling technologies and efficiency, and to enhance the competitiveness of exports aligned with climate change policies in international trade.

Support for Green Transformation in Industry

As of 2024, 50 companies will be supported through the green transformation program. These supports will be provided to increase domestic production capabilities and ensure green transformation in industry. Additionally, call programs for high-tech products will be increased within the scope of technology-oriented industrial movement programs, and the number of model factories will be increased.

Renewable Energy Projects and World Bank Support

The World Bank has also provided a credit support of 2 billion USD for Turkey’s renewable energy projects. With this support, it is aimed to increase Turkey’s renewable energy capacity and take fundamental steps for a sustainable energy future. This initiative aims to accelerate Turkey’s transformation in the energy sector and attract private capital financing to the project.

‘Green OIZ’

In this context, ASO 2nd Organized Industrial Zone (OSB) has been selected as the pilot region for the ‘Green OIZ’ in Turkey. Ankara Chamber of Industry President Seyit Ardıç and ASO 2nd OSB President Mete Çağlayan discussed green transformation in industries. ASO President Ardıç stated, “As industrialists, we are aware of our responsibility to the city we live in, with the principle of a greener economy and sustainability against the pollution arising in the production process.”

Industry Leadership in Green Transformation

ASO 2nd OSB President Mete Çağlayan also said, “With the publication of the EU Green Deal, we set our course on the path of green transformation by quickly and decisively forming our action plan before public institutions.” Çağlayan highlighted that they stand out with wastewater and waste management, renewable energy projects, and innovative practices in this context.

Coordinated Efforts and Climate Finance

While Turkey takes significant steps in the green transformation process, coordinated efforts between industrialists and public institutions are crucial for the sustainability and success of this process. Effective use of climate finance and green transformation funds is among the key factors that will determine Turkey’s success in this process.