Energy and the Community

Programs for Local Community to Learn About Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy

Sakarya University provides comprehensive programs for the local community to promote awareness of energy efficiency and clean energy. These programs are implemented through the Social Contribution and Sustainability Coordinatorship (TOKAS) and align with the university’s Sustainable University Policy and the UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Main educational and outreach initiatives include:

• Energy Efficiency Week: Training sessions were delivered to students of Sakarya University Foundation Primary School to raise awareness about energy saving.
• “Future’s Return” Project (TÜBİTAK 3005 Program): Forty gifted students in the 7th and 8th grades were introduced to clean energy technologies through technical visits to ADASU Hydroelectric Power Plant, Karaman Solar Power Plant, and Pamukova Wind Power Plant.
• Public Savings Training: In-service training sessions titled “Energy Efficiency in Daily Life and Public Buildings,” “Water Efficiency,” and “Environment and Zero Waste” were provided to administrative staff, complemented by online training modules accessible to all employees.
• Technical Visits and Applied Learning: Engineering students visited ADASU Hydroelectric Power Plant (Türkiye’s first municipally built HES) and SEDAŞ (Sakarya Electricity Distribution Inc.) facilities to observe clean energy generation and smart grid systems in operation.
• Sustainable Future Meetings and European Mobility Week: Public lectures and community events were organized under the themes “Sustainable Energy and Climate Change” and “Save Energy for the Future,” encouraging low-carbon lifestyles and sustainable transport practices.
• Zero Waste and Renewable Energy Awareness Campaigns: Student competitions and community workshops were held to promote recycling, resource efficiency, and the adoption of renewable energy solutions.

Sakarya University also collaborates with local industries and municipalities to extend the impact of these programs. It partnered with SEDAŞ (Sakarya Electricity Distribution Inc.) and SASKİ (Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration) for technical visits and energy training sessions and contributed academically to the preparation of the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Sustainable Energy Action Plan, which promotes energy-efficient practices across the city.

Through these coordinated educational, industrial, and community-based activities, Sakarya University demonstrates its commitment to empowering the local community with knowledge and practical understanding of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable living practices.

Energy Conservation

The university implements a plan with measurable targets, integrated with national policies, to ensure energy conservation.

• National Savings Plan: The university operates within the framework of the "Savings Target and Implementation Guide for Public Buildings (2024–2030)," based on the Energy Efficiency Law No. 5627 and the Presidential Circular. This guide mandates a minimum energy savings target of 30% by 2030 for public buildings required to appoint an energy manager.
• Institutional Implementation: To implement this target, an official letter (signed by the Vice-Rector) is sent to all university units, mandating sensitivity to energy conservation and maintaining indoor temperatures at 21°C.
• Management System: To systematically improve energy performance, pre-assessment activities for the implementation of the ISO 50001 Energy Management System have been initiated via the SAUCO2 (Sustainable Carbon Tracking System) platform.
• Energy Management: Building energy managers are appointed to promote energy savings, and these managers regularly monitor energy consumption.

Promotion of a Pledge Toward 100% Renewable Energy

Sakarya University actively promotes and implements its pledge toward 100% renewable energy through both operational practices and public engagement activities.

Sakarya University’s renewable energy pledge is integrated with its carbon-neutral campus vision and Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emission Goal. To promote this commitment, the university organizes multiple awareness and engagement activities:

• Sustainable Future Meetings: Public lectures such as “Sustainable Energy and Climate Change” highlight renewable energy solutions and climate action.
• European Mobility Week: Activities under the theme “Save Energy for the Future” promote clean transportation and reduced carbon footprints.
• Zero Waste Program: Awareness campaigns and student competitions promote resource conservation and energy-conscious behavior.
• Participation in international events like the European Sustainable Energy Week 2024, Clean Energy Transition Partnership, and Tech4SmartCities encourages academic involvement in clean energy transitions.
• The university contributed academically to the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Sustainable Energy Action Plan, helping promote renewable energy awareness citywide.

Additionally, Sakarya University integrates this pledge into research and innovation:

• SAITEM develops renewable-energy-based student projects such as the SAGUAR solar car, SAHIMO hydrogen vehicle, and SATEK solar boat.
• The “100% Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Design and Prototype Production” project, supported by TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1505, advances national innovation in renewable heating systems.

These initiatives have positioned Sakarya University among the global leaders in clean energy, ranking 83rd worldwide and 3rd in Türkiye in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 – SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) category, and earning top performance in UI GreenMetric 2024 and QS Sustainability 2025. Through these accomplishments, the university not only fulfills but actively promotes its 100% renewable energy commitment on local, national, and international platforms.

Renewable Energy Sources

Sakarya University is committed to supporting 100% renewable energy. In 2024, the university achieved 109.99% renewable energy generation, producing 10,207,600 kWh of renewable electricity against 9,280,780.2 kWh of total consumption. This achievement was verified through International Renewable Energy Certificates (I-REC) sourced from hydropower (4,120 MWh), solar (3,140 MWh), and wind (2,740 MWh), confirming the university’s full reliance on renewable, low-carbon energy.

• On-site Generation: Renewable energy is generated from solar panels installed on faculty roofs across the campus and from the wind turbine in the Energy Technologies Laboratory. New solar panels were added to the roof as part of the Rectorate building renovation.
• Infrastructure: Solar-powered LED lamps are used for on-campus roads and street lighting.

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.

Direct Services to Local Industry for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy

Sakarya University provides direct services to local industry to improve energy efficiency and promote clean energy use through technical consultancy, joint research, and capacity-building programs. These initiatives are carried out under the university’s Sustainability and University–Industry Collaboration Strategy.

The university collaborates with Sakarya Teknokent and the Faculty of Engineering to conduct energy audits, efficiency analyses, and renewable energy transformation plans for industrial facilities.

• Energy Efficiency Consultancy: On-site assessments are conducted to identify energy losses and optimize energy use.
• Workshops and Trainings: Joint events with the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO) and the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality cover topics such as energy management, renewable energy technologies, and conservation practices.
• Technical Visits: Faculty members and students visit local energy companies, enhancing knowledge exchange and practical collaboration.

A key initiative, the TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1505 “100% Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Design and Prototype Production” project, supports local industry’s transition to clean, zero-emission heating technologies.

The university has also provided academic input to the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality’s Sustainable Energy Action Plan, contributing to the formulation of citywide strategies for industrial energy efficiency.

Within Sakarya Teknokent, more than 20 clean energy startups operate in collaboration with the university, developing technologies for solar panel recycling, energy storage, and green innovation.

Through participation in international research programs such as Horizon Europe FREE4LIB (recycling lithium-ion batteries) and COST Action CYPHER (green energy and safety innovation), Sakarya University facilitates knowledge transfer from global clean energy research to local industrial applications.

By integrating research, consultancy, and education, Sakarya University plays an active role in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and accelerating the clean energy transition within the regional industrial ecosystem.

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.

CENTER SAU

Sakarya University serves as the sole authorized center designated by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority for the training, competence assessment, and certification of energy sector personnel through its National Testbed Center for Critical Infrastructure (CENTER SAU).The center delivers comprehensive programs for both public and private stakeholders, focusing on energy efficiency, infrastructure security, and cybersecurity in alignment with the Cyber Security Competence Model Regulation for the Energy Sector. By conducting specialized workshops and energy efficiency assessments, CENTER SAU strengthens national capacity and fosters sustainable, secure energy management practices. Its expertise extends across renewable energy infrastructure, smart grids, and energy storage systems, providing the local industry with advanced technical support and innovative solutions that drive Türkiye’s clean energy transformation.

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 the local, regional, national, and global levels, in alignment with Türkiye’s Energy Efficiency Strategy 2030 and the Second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2024–2030). Through the Energy Technologies Application and Research Center, the Department of Construction and Technical Affairs, and interdisciplinary research teams, the university provides technical data, analytical studies, and consultancy services that inform both policy and practice.

At the local and regional levels, Sakarya University has played a key role in the preparation of the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEEP), contributing building energy performance analyses, renewable energy potential mapping, and emission reduction modeling. Collaborative efforts with SASKİ (Sakarya Water and Sewerage Administration) and SEDAŞ (Sakarya Electricity Distribution Inc.) have produced technical guidelines to improve municipal energy management and efficiency. In addition, the CENTER SAU (National Critical Infrastructure Testbed Center)—officially authorized by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA)—delivers testing, analysis, and consultancy services in smart grids, renewable energy integration, and energy storage, providing vital data for regional policy development. The university also collaborates with the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO) to organize training programs on clean production and energy management, strengthening regional industrial sustainability.

At the national level, Sakarya University works closely with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, contributing to national legislation, strategy papers, and technology standards that promote energy efficiency and low-carbon development.
Policy-oriented R&D initiatives reinforce this contribution:

• EV Infrastructure Law (TÜBİTAK 1001): Asst. Prof. Dr. Emine Develi Ayverdi’s project developed legal recommendations on the regulation of electric vehicle charging stations from a competition law perspective.
• Renewable Energy Incentive Policies: Kerem Aydın’s master’s thesis explored Türkiye’s transition to renewable energy and proposed improvements to investment incentive frameworks and public awareness programs.
• Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Project (TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1505): Conducted with Daikin Türkiye R&D under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Pehlivan, this project developed a zero-emission heating prototype that informs national policy on clean heating technologies.
• BATTAI Startup (İTÜ Enerjim Sensin): A student-led battery innovation initiative, exemplifying policy-relevant entrepreneurship in low-carbon technology.

At the international level, Sakarya University contributes to global clean energy governance and policy development through EU-funded projects and international networks. Under Horizon Europe’s FREE4LIB Project, the university develops sustainable recycling processes for lithium-ion batteries, contributing to the EU’s circular economy targets. Within the framework of the COST Action CYPHER, Prof. Dr. Hakan Serhad Soyhan represents Türkiye in European-level policy discussions on green energy, infrastructure resilience, and safety standards. He serves as Türkiye’s Management Committee representative for the COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action CYPHER, which promotes collaborative research across Europe on sustainable energy production, green technologies, and fire safety.

The university’s research outputs and patents reinforce its contribution to the Türkiye Net Zero 2053 Vision and the Green Deal Action Plan:

• “Active Battery Management System fed from a Modified T-type Two-Way Converter” enhances smart storage and energy management.
• “Multi-Feed Lithium-Air Flow Battery Assembly”, which received a bronze medal at ISIF’24, demonstrates global innovation capacity in low-carbon technologies.
• International patent PCT/TR2024/051206 strengthens the university’s leadership in high-efficiency battery R&D.

Sakarya University also fosters policy dialogue through national and international academic events such as the Sustainable Future Meetings and Future’s Transformation, which convene policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives to discuss renewable energy investments, energy efficiency frameworks, and climate adaptation strategies.

The university’s achievements are globally recognized: it ranked 83rd worldwide and 3rd in Türkiye in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025 – SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and achieved high scores in both the UI GreenMetric 2024 and QS Sustainability 2025 rankings. These recognitions affirm Sakarya University’s role as a policy contributor, research leader, and global advocate for sustainable, low-carbon energy transition.

Assistance for Start-Ups that Foster and Support a Low-Carbon Economy and Technology

Sakarya University operates an integrated innovation ecosystem that supports start-ups advancing low-carbon technologies and sustainable energy solutions through Sakarya Teknokent, the Energy Technologies Application and Research Center, SAYMER, and SAITEM.
The university provides technical mentoring, laboratory infrastructure, testing and prototyping facilities, and funding consultancy for start-ups in renewable energy, hydrogen production, energy storage, waste-to-energy conversion, and carbon reduction technologies.

More than 20 start-ups are currently active within this ecosystem, contributing directly to Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emission Vision and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7, SDG 9, SDG 13).

Highlighted Start-Ups

1. Hydrogen Reactor (Cordel Energy): Innovative electrolysis reactor for green hydrogen generation and emission reduction.
2. FLEXIndustries (DEPAR R&D): Horizon Europe project optimizing industrial energy efficiency; saves ≥159 GWh energy and 33,000 tons CO₂ annually.
3. FREE4LIB (NESSTEC): EU project developing battery recycling technologies and the traceable “Battery Passport” model.
4. SIBER (NESSTEC): Na-ion battery development replacing critical materials and reducing costs to €30–40/kg.
5. NESSTEC Energy & Surface Technologies: Advances in surface engineering to enhance battery lifespan and durability.
6. Printed Supercapacitors & Batteries: Domestic production of Li-ion batteries for e-mobility and electronics.
7. Klina Software: AI-powered carbon data management system supporting corporate sustainability reporting.
8. Germony IoT: Smart IoT-based heating efficiency systems with AI-driven monitoring and optimization.
9. Demircioğlu Robotics: Hot composting systems converting waste to fertilizer within 24 hours, eliminating methane emissions.
10. ETA4 Energy: Solar and heat-pump-based HVAC systems for zero-emission agricultural climate control.
11. REYNOLDS Advanced Engineering: Energy-efficient industrial equipment reducing power consumption and emissions.
12. YMTM Technology: High-efficiency BLDC motors minimizing energy loss in electric transport.
13. Team-San & Öztiryakiler: TÜBİTAK-supported industrial oven design improving heat efficiency.
14. RUN Engineer: Low-energy electromagnetic filters enhancing mining efficiency.
15. Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Project (TÜBİTAK 1505): Fully hydrogen-based heating system for zero-emission thermal energy.
16. 100% Solar Powered Agricultural Robot: TÜBİTAK BİGGFAST-supported emission-free smart agricultural robot.
17. Hydrothermal Bio-Combi System Project: Combines hydrothermal carbonization with heat recovery for renewable thermal energy.
18. Cordel Energy’s Hydrogen Systems: Academic–industrial pilot applications for green hydrogen commercialization.
19. HOT Solar Agricultural Robot Project: Fully solar-powered autonomous agricultural platform reducing operational carbon footprint.
20. FLEXIndustries Turkey Pilot (SEDAŞ & Sakarya): Implements energy storage and smart grid integration in industrial sites.

Sakarya University provides start-ups with:

• Research, testing, and prototyping infrastructure,
• Access to funding programs (TÜBİTAK, Horizon Europe, COST),
• Academic mentoring and technology transfer partnerships.

Through this dynamic ecosystem, Sakarya University drives innovation in low-carbon technology, enhances clean energy entrepreneurship, and contributes actively to Türkiye’s sustainable industrial transformation in line with the 2053 Net Zero Vision.

Research and Development

The university hosts over thirty research centers and more than ten R&D laboratories in the fields of energy efficiency and clean energy.

Pioneering Centers and Student Innovation: The Research and Development Application and Research Center (SARGEM) and the Sakarya Innovation Center (SAYMER) play a pioneering role in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Furthermore, the Sakarya University Advanced Technologies Application Community (SAITEM) develops innovative energy projects and leads initiatives such as the Sakarya Solar Car (SAGUAR), Sakarya Hydrogen Vehicle (SAHIMO), and Sakarya Solar Boat (SATEK). SAITEM has achieved various national and international successes by realizing Türkiye's first solar-powered boat project. In 2023, SAITEM designed the SAGUAR-RB (REBORN), its eighth solar vehicle, which participated in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia. The SPARK Electric Vehicle Team participated in the TÜBİTAK Efficiency Challenge in 2023 and 2024.

SAITEM Team – 2024 TÜBİTAK Efficiency Challenge Competition

Energy Generation R&D

Floating Solar Energy System (FPV): The TÜBİTAK 3501 project, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ceyda Aksoy Tırmıkçı, aims to install Türkiye's first small-scale floating photovoltaic (FPV) system on an irrigation pond in Sakarya.

Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Project (Industry Collaboration): Within the scope of the TÜBİTAK TEYDEB (Technology and Innovation Support Programs Directorate) 1505 University-Industry Cooperation Support Program, the "100% Hydrogen-Fueled Boiler Design and Prototype Production" project is being carried out in partnership with the Daikin Türkiye R&D department. This initiative, led by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Pehlivan, aims to develop an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable heating technology.

Energy Storage R&D

TÜBA-GEBİP Award: Prof. Dr. Çetinkaya has been honored with the TÜBA-GEBİP (Outstanding Young Scientist Award) by the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) for his outstanding research in the field of electrochemical energy storage. This prestigious national award, presented annually to Türkiye’s leading young scientists, was conferred by the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in 2024.

Prof. Dr. Çetinkaya, TÜBA-GEBİP Award Ceremony, 2024.

TÜBİTAK Projects: Among the TÜBİTAK 1001 Research Projects accepted in 2024, several focus on advancing sustainable energy technologies and next-generation storage systems. These include Dr. Abdulkadir Kızılaslan’s project, which aims to develop a prototype production line for high–energy-density lithium–sulfur pouch batteries using innovative solvent–binder pairs; Dr. Hasan Algül’s research, which explores a green recycling process for lithium–ion batteries through ultrasonic, microwave, and anodic dissolution techniques; and Prof. Dr. Uğur Arifoğlu’s project, which focuses on the design of a bidirectional, next-generation active battery management system to enhance energy efficiency and safety.

2024 Patent Achievements: The university's innovation power in energy storage was also proven by patents and awards received in 2024. The patent titled "Multi-Feed Lithium-Air Flow Battery Assembly" by Prof. Dr. Tuğrul Çetinkaya from the Research and Development Application and Research Center received a bronze medal at the 9th International Invention Fair (ISIF’24) in November 2024. Additionally, an international patent application (PCT/TR2024/051206) titled “Active Battery Management System fed from a Modified T-type Two-Way Converter” was filed on 18 October 2024 by Prof. Dr. Uğur Arifoğlu and Ümit Pekparlak on behalf of the Rectorate.

The invention titled “Active Battery Management System Fed from a Modified T-Type Two-Way Converter”, developed by Prof. Dr. Uğur Arifoğlu, a faculty member of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Sakarya University, and doctoral student Ümit Pekparlak, has been published in the Official Patent Bulletin.

Horizon Europe Project (FREE4LIB): Sakarya University is a partner in the FREE4LIB project, which is supported by the European Union Horizon Europe program with a budget of €9,283,175. The project, (also related to the "Spent LIB2SIB" project under the M-ERA.NET 2024 call), aims to develop sustainable processes at TRL 5-6 for recycling end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. Represented by Dr. Hasan Algül on behalf of the university, the project aims to contribute to the EU's circular economy goals by targeting the efficient recovery of metal oxides and metals.

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