Yıldız Technical University discussed the role of hydrogen technologies in the energy transition with international stakeholders during a panel titled “Hydrogen in the Field: Accelerating the Transition to Clean Energy,” held in the Green Zone as part of COP31. The panel addressed the necessary conditions and partnerships for developing a clean hydrogen ecosystem.

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted by Turkey for the first time, is ongoing in Antalya. Yıldız Technical University brought the role of hydrogen technologies in the transition to clean energy to the forefront with a panel it organized in the Green Zone as part of the conference.

 The panel, titled “Hydrogen in the Field: Accelerating the Transition to Clean Energy,” was moderated by Prof. Dr. İbrahim Dinçer, Director of the Clean Energy Research Laboratory at Ontario Tech University and a member of the Advisory Board of YTÜ’s Institute of Clean Energy Technologies.

Ali Rıza Arslan, CEO of Hydrogenix Hydrogen and Energy Storage Technologies Inc.; Prof. Dr. Can Erkey, Director of the Koç University Hydrogen Technologies Center; Prof. Dr. Aysel Kantürk Figen, Director of the YTÜ Institute of Clean Energy Technologies, and Michele Pierpaoli, Program Manager for Energy and Green Development at the EU Delegation to Turkey, served as speakers.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, and our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Güleda Engin, also attended the panel. 

Strong partnerships for a clean hydrogen ecosystem

The panel discussed the widespread adoption of clean hydrogen technologies, policies to accelerate the energy transition, and the importance of international partnerships.

Michele Pierpaoli, Energy Manager at the European Union Delegation to Turkey, emphasized that the development of a clean hydrogen ecosystem requires clear regulations, real buyers, and strong partnerships. Referring to the European Union’s support for establishing a hydrogen ecosystem in Turkey, Pierpaoli stated:

“Clear rules, real buyers, and strong partnerships are needed for clean hydrogen. The EU supports the establishment of a hydrogen ecosystem in Turkey—spanning markets, regulations, storage, grids, and a skilled workforce.”