Informing and Supporting Government in Clean Energy Policy Development

Informing and Supporting Government in Clean Energy and Energy-Efficient Technology Policy Development

Sakarya University actively supports the development of clean energy and energy-efficient technology policies at local, regional, national, and global levels. Through the Energy Technologies Application and Research Center and the Department of Construction and Technical Affairs, the university provides technical data, analytical studies, and consultancy services in full alignment with Türkiye’s Energy Efficiency Strategy 2030 and the Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030).

University academics have made a direct contribution to the preparation of the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEEP) by developing policy recommendations for reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency, and expanding renewable energy infrastructure across the city. Additionally, the TÜBİTAK 1001 Project “Legal Framework of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations” and postgraduate theses focusing on Renewable Energy Incentive Policies have contributed to the national policymaking process on sustainable energy governance and legal frameworks.

At the global level, Sakarya University’s research and innovation capacity demonstrates its strong engagement in policy-oriented knowledge transfer. The university’s achievements in patent development and applied research reflect its support for the Türkiye 2053 Net Zero Emission Vision and the Green Deal Action Plan:

• The “Active Battery Management System fed from a Modified T-type Two-Way Converter” patent enhances energy management and smart storage technologies.
• The “Multi-Feed Lithium-Air Flow Battery Assembly”, which won a bronze medal at the ISIF’24 International Invention Fair, represents a global innovation in low-carbon energy technologies.
• The PCT/TR2024/051206 international patent application further strengthens the university’s contributions to international R&D in high-efficiency battery systems.
  These outputs substantiate Sakarya University’s role in supporting low-carbon energy transition and sustainable technology policymaking at both national and international levels.

Local

At the local level, Sakarya University collaborates closely with public institutions and local administrations to support energy policy development.

• The university provided academic and technical support in preparing the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEEP), conducting building energy performance analyses, renewable energy potential mapping, and developing energy management models for public buildings.
• Joint initiatives with SEDAŞ (Sakarya Electricity Distribution Inc.) and SASKİ (Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration) have produced technical guidelines to improve energy efficiency applications at the municipal level.
• Furthermore, through community-centered events such as the European Mobility Week, the Zero Waste Program, and the Sustainable Future Meetings, the university has enhanced public awareness and local policy engagement regarding renewable energy and carbon reduction.

Regional

At the regional scale, the university provides technical consultancy, testing, measurement, and policy development support to industrial and governmental stakeholders throughout the Marmara Region.

• The CENTER SAU (National Critical Infrastructure Testbed Center), officially authorized by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA), delivers testing, analysis, and consultancy services to the regional energy sector.
• The center’s expertise in smart grids, renewable energy integration, and energy storage systems provides critical data for regional policymaking and regulatory improvements.
• In collaboration with the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO), Sakarya University organizes energy management workshops and clean production training programs aimed at strengthening regional industrial sustainability practices.

National

At the national level, Sakarya University’s researchers have actively collaborated with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

• The university’s research aligns with the objectives of Türkiye’s Energy Efficiency Strategy 2030 and the Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030), contributing to data-driven national policymaking.
• The TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1505 Project “100% Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Design and Prototype Production” supports the development of zero-emission heating technologies, directly informing Türkiye’s clean energy policies.
• Sakarya University also organizes national academic events such as Sustainable Future Meetings and Future’s Transformation, which bring together policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives to discuss renewable energy investments, energy efficiency frameworks, and climate adaptation strategies.

Global

At the global level, Sakarya University actively contributes to international policy dialogues, research collaborations, and technology development in clean and sustainable energy.

• Through participation in the Horizon Europe FREE4LIB Project, the university contributes to the European Union’s clean energy and circular economy goals by developing recycling methods for lithium-ion batteries.
• Under the COST Action CYPHER initiative, Sakarya University’s researchers collaborate with European institutions on green energy, infrastructure resilience, and sustainable technology policy development.
• These contributions align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), reflecting the university’s dedication to ensuring equitable access to renewable and efficient energy systems globally.

Sakarya University’s achievements have been internationally recognized: it ranked 83rd worldwide and 3rd in Türkiye in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 – SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) category and achieved high positions in both the UI GreenMetric 2024 and the QS Sustainability 2025 rankings. These recognitions demonstrate the university’s substantial impact on global policy development and its leadership in advancing clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable innovation on multiple governance levels.

Policy Development R&D

EV Infrastructure Law: Supported under the TÜBİTAK 1001 program, Asst. Prof. Dr. Emine Develi Ayverdi's project aims to create legal recommendations for national policy by examining the "Legal Basis of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations from a Competition Law Perspective."

Incentive Policies: The master's thesis of Kerem Aydın, a student at the Institute of Social Sciences, examined Türkiye's transition process to renewable energy and the impact of incentive policies on investments, offering recommendations for increasing investment and strengthening public awareness.

Low-Carbon Innovation: "BATTAI," an innovative battery startup by SAU student Mert Karakoç, reached the finals of ITU's "Enerjim Sensin" (You Are My Energy) entrepreneurship competition.

Collaboration

The university actively collaborates with local, national, and international stakeholders on sustainable energy projects.

• Local/Regional: Faculty members have supported regional strategy development by directly contributing to the preparation of the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality's Sustainable Energy Action Plan. Furthermore, joint technical training sessions for students are organized with local infrastructure providers like SASKİ and SEDAŞ.
• National (Industry Collaboration): The university conducts active R&D collaborations with national industrial organizations. The best example of this is the "100% Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Design and Prototype Production" project, carried out in partnership with the Daikin Türkiye R&D department under the TÜBİTAK TEYDEB (Technology and Innovation Support Programs Directorate) 1505 University-Industry Cooperation Support Program. This initiative, led by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Pehlivan, aims to develop a sustainable heating technology in the field of clean energy (hydrogen).
• National (Academic Collaboration): Furthermore, a national-level academic collaboration was established with Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa for the "Future's Transformation: Gifted Students and Renewable Energy" project, conducted under the TÜBİTAK 3005 program.
• International: Prof. Dr. Hakan Serhad Soyhan was selected to represent Türkiye on the management committee of COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action CYPHER, which conducts European-wide research on green and sustainable energy production and fire safety.

Global Recognition and Impact

Sakarya University has demonstrated its strong commitment to environmental responsibility and clean energy through its outstanding performance in national and international sustainability rankings. In the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, the university ranked 83rd globally and 3rd in Türkiye in the category of Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), reinforcing its leadership in energy efficiency, renewable energy production, and low-carbon initiatives. Additionally, Sakarya University achieved high standings in both the UI GreenMetric 2024 and QS Sustainability 2025 rankings, reflecting its excellence in energy management, green campus practices, zero-waste policies, electric mobility systems, and clean-energy-focused R&D projects. These achievements highlight the university’s proactive role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promoting global awareness of sustainable energy practices.

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