The Working Groups and Task Force of the Turkish-German Energy Partnership at the 6th Turkish-German Energy Forum: Collaboration, Innovation, and Progress
The 6th Turkish-German Energy Forum, held in Berlin, served as a platform for fostering collaboration and discussing key energy-related challenges and opportunities between the two countries. Ahead of the main Forum, a full programme of activities for the working groups and task force of the Energy Partnership included meetings, a workshop for Turkish and German distribution system operators (DSOs), and a site visit. A panel discussion at the Forum on 27th November showcased the breadth and depth of the Turkish-German Energy Partnership activities, highlighting progress made in the collaboration at expert level and paving the way for future cooperation.
Working Group and Task Force Meetings: Tackling Energy Challenges Collectively
Meeting of the Working Group Renewable Energy, Energy Infrastructure, and Sector Coupling:
During the latest meeting of Working Group 1, experts on renewable energy, energy infrastructure, and sector coupling outlined key topics for the upcoming year. The participants reviewed recent developments in the energy markets of both countries and discussed how these trends can shape future activities.
The group also reflected on this year’s initiatives, which focused on geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, and advancements in distribution grid modelling and digitalisation. Looking ahead, the Working Group will continue to prioritise knowledge exchange in renewable energy and grid modernisation technologies, while fostering cooperation on adapting regulatory frameworks.
Meeting of the Working Group Energy Efficiency: Members discussed the status quo of energy performance contracting (EPC) in public buildings in Türkiye, including issues such as the financing and insurance of EPC projects. The session included presentations from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye and Berlin Energy Agency. It was attended not only by the core members of the working group but also representatives of the private sector like Daikin, which plans to realize an EPC pilot Project together with Siemens Türkiye. The working group discussed the working programme for 2025 and reaffirmed its commitment to focus on the ESCO market development and promote efficient energy Solutions for Türkiye.
The Task Force on Green Hydrogen met at the sidelines of the Forum to discuss strategic collaboration. Representatives from the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action emphasised the important role of green hydrogen on the road to a net-zero economy. . Türkiye’s ambitious target to quadruple solar and wind capacity by 2035 complements Germany’s green hydrogen import strategy, which projects a demand of up to 90 TWh by 2030. The meeting underscored the importance of bilateral dialogue and networking between Turkish and German companies to advance technology cooperation and long-term offtake agreements.
Siemens Energy: Exploring Innovations in Electrolysis
On 26th November, participants attended an exclusive tour of Siemens Energy’s gas turbine manufacturing plant and electrolyser production facilities in Berlin. The tour provided insights into Siemens Energy’s product portfolio, including its 2 GW PEM electrolyser production capacity at the Berlin site. This visit highlighted Europe’s strides in hydrogen technology, with an emphasis on projects in the megawatt range. A lively Q&A session allowed the Turkish delegation to engage directly with Siemens representatives, fostering an exchange of ideas on innovation and application.
DSO Workshop: Digitalising Distribution Networks
A workshop on strategies for digitalising distribution networks brought together Turkish and German stakeholders to address the evolving challenges faced by DSOs in the energy transition. The workshop participants were able to exchange ideas about different approaches in distribution grid planning processes and received impulses on how innovative technologies can make grid operations more digital, agile and efficient.
The discussions emphasised the critical role of digital infrastructure in integrating decentralised renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, and storage systems. Turkish and German experts shared best practices, with a focus on the use of AI for network optimisation, predictive analytics, and customer segmentation. The application of digital twins and the automation of processes emerged as key themes. The workshop highlighted the importance of ongoing investment in digital solutions and regulatory innovation to boost network resilience and efficiency. Insights into efficient smart meter rollouts were also shared.
Participants identified shared challenges such as enhancing regulatory frameworks, securing financing, and adopting innovative technologies in both countries. This event forms part of an ongoing dialogue between German and Turkish companies, regulatory authorities, and research institutions to advance digitisation in the distribution grids.
The Panel: Progress and Outlook
The forum culminated on 27th November with a panel discussion featuring the co-chairs of the working groups and the Task Force. Co-moderated by Oğuzhan Kıran from the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and Ursula Borak from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, the session provided a comprehensive overview of the partnership’s progress and future direction.
The co-chairs reflected on the partnership’s outcomes, such as study tours on geothermal and hydrogen technologies, knowledge exchanges on energy efficiency contracting, and discussions on regulatory improvements. They reaffirmed the strong foundation of trust and collaboration built over the years, enabling both countries to address emerging topics like the recently adopted second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan in Türkiye. The panel highlighted the mutual commitment to fostering innovation and deepening ties to tackle the shared challenges of the global energy transition.
For more details on the topics covered by the working groups and task force of the Turkish-German Energy Partnership, see here: About the Energy-Partnership | Türkiye Energy Partnership
