We will make '38 million' with electricity
Action was taken to increase energy efficiency, create a suitable ground for renewable energy investment and save 5m euros (38 million lira) in Izmir, where approximately 6 percent of the total consumption of electricity in Turkey takes place. Prof. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu, Head of Division of Sustainable Energy, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), was entitled to receive support from the European Union (EU) for a project called "ENCHANT" developed in cooperation with academics from 5 countries in Europe. Thanks to the project, in which Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and Gediz Electricity Inc. are jointly involved, it is aimed to reduce carbon emissions by at least 1 million tons and to save 15 percent in households' energy consumption. Energy consumption is remarkable in Izmir, one of Turkey's most developed city, with a population of about 4 million 300 thousand. In Turkey, while annual per capita consumption of electricity is about 3,700 kWh, this figure is above 4,400 kWh in Izmir. It is stated that 30 percent of total energy consumption belongs to household use.
IT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN EUROPE
Project Coordinator Prof. Mehmet Efe Biresselioğlu and Assoc. Prof. Muhittin Hakan Demir, Head of IUE Department of Logistics Management, who participates in the project as a researcher, rolled up their sleeves in order to decrease these figures in Izmir and to be a pioneer in energy saving. The project, with which IUE team works with academics, municipalities, non-governmental organizations and energy providers in Italy, Norway, Austria, Romania and Germany, attracted the attention of the European Union. The project, which was decided to be implemented in European countries, was entitled to receive support of 2 million Euros in total within the scope of the Horizon 2020 program.
MOST CONSUMPTION TAKES PLACE IN KONAK, KARABAĞLAR AND BORNOVA
Project coordinator Prof. Biresselioğlu stated that considering the population living in Izmir, the districts with the highest energy consumption were Konak, Karabağlar and Bornova and explained the activities to be carried out to reduce energy consumption. Prof. Biresselioğlu said, “First of all, it is necessary to raise awareness and inform the citizens about energy consumption. For example, the unconscious use of home appliances and electrical appliances is very effective in this. The usage of appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers and at what time they are used are even indicative. Air conditioners are used incorrectly in many houses, they are turned on and off. We will mention all this in the project. We will present a prescription by working together with Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and Gediz Electricity Inc. on many issues such as the mistakes made in households, the reasons for the extreme energy loss. We will explain the discourses that will be effective on citizens. We will convey what kind of interaction should be provided through channels such as social media, public transportation vehicles, billboards and boards in sports facilities. We will prepare an effective communication campaign specifically for Izmir”.
WE SHOULD REACH TWO MILLION PEOPLE
Prof. Biresselioğlu stated the following: “For example, we will create an awareness campaign on energy efficiency and energy saving via existing social media channels. Regions where the energy saving potential is high and low will be determined in Izmir. For renewable energy investments, we aim to create an annual 4m-euro ground in Izmir. We aim to reach at least 2 million people in Izmir. EU member countries plan to invest 380 billion euros in energy efficiency and renewable energy in the next 10 years. The era we are in requires energy efficiency. Everyone should be aware of this issue. Main policies should include increasing energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and carbon intensity.”
