Zonguldak moves toward becoming an international cooperation center in coal-derived methane and mining technologies.
Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Univeristy (BEUN) has achieved a significant success in the field of energy and mining on the international level. “Protocol on Technology Transfer and Fiend-Based Applied R&D Cooperation for the Integrated Development of Coal-Derived Methane (CMM/CBM) Resources, the Reduction of Methane Emissions, and Their Conversation into Energy and Carbon Value” was signed between BEUN Technology Transfer Office and the U.S.-based technology companies REI Drilling Inc. and Advanced Resources International (ARI) and TURUK Oil and Gas Development Company.
The signature ceremony was held with the participation of academic and administrative staff at the Rector’s office. The ceremony was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, Vice Rector and BEUN TTO Director Prof. Dr. Ş. Hakan Kutoğlu, Head of Department of Mining Engineering Prof. Dr. İhsan Toroğlu, Head of Mining and Mineral Extraction Department at Zonguldak Vocational School Prof. Dr. Kemal Barış and faculty members of Department of Mining Engineering Prof. Dr. Sait Kızgut, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serdar Yılmaz and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Bilen.
The ceremony stood out with international participation. The protocol was signed during a meeting held at the Rectorate Office between the by the BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer and Ali Nagi Aranlı on behalf of TURUK Oil and Gas Development Company, with the online participation of the U.S.-based companies REI Drilling Inc. and Advanced Resources International (ARI).
Through the protocol, which is an example of international initiatives of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, it is aimed to carry out mutual Research & Development activities including technology transfer and field applications for the evaluation of coalbed methane potential, reduction of methane emission, utilization of the extracted gas in terms of energy and carbon value. This collaboration is one of the first international Research and Development protocols for coal mining and methane drainage in Zonguldak and its vicinity.
In his remarks during the ceremony, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer highlighted university’s academic strength in the field of mining. Emphasizing that BEUN Department of Mining Engineering is the most well-estanblished and prestigious departments in Türkiye, Özölçer stated:
“Our university is one of the most well-established institutions with a strong academic background in the field of mining. BEUN Department of Mining Engineering contributes to mining in our country with its scientific studies and strong relations with the sector. The international R&D protocol we signed today is a crucial step in taking these initiatives one step further. I believe this protocol is just a start. We will implement bigger projects in terms of science and technology and achieve significant results in the field of mining thanks to this collaboration. We have always been there for the Department of Mining Engineering and will continue with our support.”
Speaking on behalf of the TURUK Oil and Gas Development Companyi Ali Nagi Aranlı emphasized the academic strength of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University in the field of mining, and added the following:
“Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University Department of Mining Engineering stands out with its achievements in the region and Türkiye. Thanks to this protocol, we are excited to see that the necessary R&D activities for the region are enhanced and to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of BEUN Department of Mining.”
The protocol paved the way for numerous initiatives including scientific and technical evaluation of the potential of coal derived methane (CMM/CMB), reduction of methane emissions/ greenhouse gases, development of advanced drilling and gas production technologies, pilot field applications, demonstration projects, transformation of gas into energy production, carbon credit and integration to carbon market, international technology transfer, and mutual R&D activities, field applications and contribution to raising accomplished human resources in the field of energy and mining as part of R&D activities.
It is also planned to develop advanced engineering applications such as drilling pilot wells, field applications, reservation modelling initiatives and methane draining technologies.
Thanks to the international collaboration to be carried out under BEUN Technology Transfer Office, it is aimed to contribute to strengthening university-industry integration, creating an opportunity to make use of advanced mining technologies in Türkiye, developing international R&D projects, and energy safety.
The protocol also aims to contribute to generating economic value by transforming methane gas into energy and to the environmental sustainability by reducing methane emissions.
This protocol will enable Zonguldak to develop a stronger vision in the field of energy and mining by bringing Zonguldak’s historical mining background with international technology and R&D capacity.
