This page includes the draft agenda for the event.

Last update: January 22, 2026

Event title Solar Thermal Technologies for Sustainable Türkiye: Unlocking Green Heat Potentials
Hosts ODTÜ / METU (Middle East Technical University)
ODTÜ-GÜNAM (METU Center for Solar Energy Research and Applications)
Organizers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Taylan, [email protected] ; [email protected]
Prof. Dr. Derek Baker, [email protected] ; [email protected]
Asst. Prof. Dr. Yelda Erden-Topal, [email protected] ; [email protected]
Dr. Hande Eryılmaz, [email protected]
Start time Feb 12, 2026 09:30
End time Feb 12, 2026 17:30
Location ODTÜ Kültür ve Kongre Merkezi D Salonu
Purpose The workshop aims to raise crucial awareness of Solar Thermal Technologies (STT) and accelerate their deployment in Türkiye, primarily by showcasing their vast potential for industrial decarbonization ("Green Heat") and by defining a national roadmap for growth.
Registration Link https://forms.gle/iiMXvKggpTGp5W9t7
Time Session Name Speker / Panelist
09:30-10:00 Registration
10:00-10:45 Welcome speeches 1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Yerci, ODTÜ-GÜNAM
  1. Dr. Buğrahan Karaveli, TENMAK
  2. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yozgatlıgil, ODTÜ | | 10:45-12:00 | Session 1: Understanding STT: Technology, Global Trends & Turkish Potentials | 1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Taylan, ODTÜ / ODTÜ-GÜNAM
  3. Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören, Near East University, ESFRI National Expert and IG SWG Member
  4. Sarah Essam, EU-SOLARIS ERIC
  5. Prof. Dr. Derek Baker, ODTÜ / ODTÜ-GÜNAM | | 12:00-12:15 | Coffee break | | | 12:15-13:30 | Session 2: The Power of Research & Industry Collaboration for STT Advancement | 1. Prof. Dr. Bülent Yeşilata, Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, IEA SHC ExCo Member
  6. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Halil Yılmaz, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University
  7. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahmut Sami Büker, SOLIMPEKS Renewable Heating | | 13:30-14:30 | Lunch break | | | 14:30-15:45 | Session 3: Solar Heat is the New Oil: Decarbonizing Türkiye's Industry | 1. Muhammed Albayrak, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Directorate of Energy Affairs, Solar Energy Group Coordinator
  8. Mehmet Halil Ayaz, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Directorate of Energy Efficiency and Environment, Energy Efficiency Incentives Group Coordinator
  9. Bener Karadeniz, Heliosteam | | 15:45-16:00 | Coffee break | | | 16:00-17:15 | Session 4: Paving the Way Forward: Policy, Finance, Roadmaps & Next Steps | 1. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şiir Kılkış, TÜBİTAK and IPCC WGIII Vice-Chair
  10. Hayriye Ordukaya, Ministry of Industry and Technology, General Directorate of European Union and Foreign Relations
  11. Can Hakyemez, Industrial Development Bank of Türkiye (TSKB), Research of Energy and Resources | | 17:15-17:30 | Closing speech | Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Taylan, ODTÜ / ODTÜ-GÜNAM |

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