Advancing Energy Efficiency Through a Delegation Visit to North Rhine-Westphalia
From 7th–9th April 2025, a Turkish delegation composed of representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR) and member companies of the Turkish Energy Service Company (ESCO) Association EYODER visited North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany, for a series of meetings, networking events, and site visits. This study tour was organised under the framework of the Working Group on Energy Efficiency of the Turkish-German Energy Partnership (TGEP).
The delegation was welcomed by representatives of the regional business development agency NRW.Global Business. Following introductory remarks by Elena Matekina and an overview of the economic landscape in NRW presented by Timur Kurt, participants engaged in a discussion on bilateral opportunities for cooperation in the energy efficiency sector. The day concluded with a networking dinner in Düsseldorf, attended by German business representatives and the Turkish Consul General, Mr. Ali Ihsan Izbul. The event provided a valuable platform for informal exchange and laid the groundwork for the days to follow.
The second day centred around the theme “Energy Efficiency as an Opportunity for Industry – Networking with Turkish ESCOs,” held in Duisburg. Over 40 participants took part in the event, including representatives from German companies such as Siemens Energy, Mitsubishi, Wilo, and Kawasaki, as well as the City of Duisburg. Expert presentations by Nora Langreder, Dave Welmert, and Michael Pietzner highlighted innovative approaches to energy efficiency, such as energy performance contracting and other market instruments.
In turn, Turkish ESCO representatives presented their companies in a series of brief and focused pitches. These interactive exchanges were followed by a B2B networking session that fostered in-depth dialogue on shared interests and potential future collaborations. The day concluded with a guided tour of the Hüttenwerke Krupp Mannesmann GmbH steel plant, offering participants a first-hand look into the company's green steel initiatives and efforts towards decarbonisation.
On the third and final day of the visit, the delegation met with the Mayor of Mönchengladbach, Mr. Felix Heinrichs, and received an overview of the local economic development strategies from the Business Development Corporation Mönchengladbach. The programme also included site visits to Heinz Gothe GmbH and the SMS Group, as well as a networking lunch at the stadium of Borussia Mönchengladbach. These meetings and exchanges further underlined the mutual interest in expanding cooperation in the energy efficiency sector.
The delegation visit demonstrated the strong potential for bilateral partnerships between Turkish and German stakeholders in the ESCO market and highlighted practical opportunities to foster sustainable industrial transformation. The Working Group on Energy Efficiency of the TGEP will continue to build on these developments and support ongoing collaboration between both countries.
Special thanks go to all partners involved in the organisation and implementation of the visit.
