Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University brought sector representatives, academics, and experts together in the “III International Black Sea Energy Conference”, which holds strategic significance in the field of energy on a regional and global scope.
The program, organized in collaboration with BEUN and Türkiye Energy Strategies and Policies Research Center (TESPAM), was held at Doç. Dr. Ali Arslan Conference Hall on Farabi Campus. The Rector of BEUN, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, the Türkiye General Director of Turkish Hard Coal Enterprise (TTK), Muharrem Kiraz, Director of TESPAM, Oğuzhan Akyener, Chairman of the Board of TESPAM Technology Inc., Prof. Dr. Uğur Çevik, BEUN Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Servet Karasu, sector representatives, academic and administrative staff, press, and many students attended the conference.
The program started with a moment of silence for honored martyrs and singing of the National Anthem. The BEUN introductory video was screened.
Director of BEUN Energy Application and Research Center, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özarslan, emphasized that the event holds a scientific and strategic vision in his opening speech. Highlighting the significance of forming collaborations in the field of energy, Prof. Dr. Özarslan concluded his speech and thanked all the stakeholders who contributed to the conference.
Director of TESPAM, Oğuzhan Akyener, emphasized Zonguldak's significance in Türkiye’s strategic energy policies and the history of energy. Noting that the International Black Sea Energy Conference will result in valuable outcomes on the local and global scope, Akyener thanked those who attended and contributed to the program.
Rector Özölçer: “This conference is a meeting point for the ideas that will shape the future of the Black Sea.”
The Rector of BEUN, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, stated the following after Akyener’s speech:
“We are here today to provide a platform where ideas that will shape the future of the Black Sea and highlight the energy vision of Türkiye Century can be shared. I hope this conference, organized in collaboration with Türkiye Energy Strategies and Policies Research Center, will lead to significant steps in the field of energy.”
Highlighting that global topics such as energy safety, sustainable resources, nuclear energy, sustainable technologies, and geopolitical developments will be covered through a scientific point of view, Prof. Dr. Özölçer added:
“We believe that remarkable initiatives to be made in the journey of national energy are only possible when common sense meets the scientific production and labor. Our university will continue to carry out exemplary projects in the field of energy and develop pioneering projects.”
Reminding the workhops organized in cooperation with Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University and TPAO in 2023, and the initiatives of Energy and Mining Machines Research Centers, Rector Özölçer stated that BEUN enhances its academic and strategic capacity in the field of energy.
Emphasizing the quotation of Nizam al-Mulk in his work Siyasatnama (The Book of Government), “Seeking consultation in matters stems from people’s strong reasoning”, Özölçer highlighted the significance of common sense and collaboration. At the end of his speech, he expressed his thanks to all contributing institutions and participants.
Opening Session: The Global Aspect of Energy
The opening session of the program started following Rector Özölçer’s speech. The Director of BEUN Black Sea Strategic Research Application and Research Center, Prof. Dr. Özcan Sezer, moderated the session. Director of TESPAM, Oğuzhan Akyener, the Chairperson of TESPAM Technology Inc. Executive Board, Prof. Dr. Uğur Çevik, and the Director of BEUN Energy Application and Research Center, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özarslan, served as speakers in the session.
Prof. Dr. Uğur Çevik: “Nuclear Energy Will Increase Rapidly Worldwide”
Commenting on energy resources, diplomacy, Black Sea collaborations, and technological advances, Prof. Dr. Uğur Çevik stated that COP31 will be held in Türkiye is a significant gain for the country.
Noting that Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant has a significant role in the world energy agenda, Prof. Dr. Çevik stated that many countries have plans to increase the number of nuclear plants on their lands, and having continuous energy has become a priority, especially for the developed countries. Prof Dr. Çevik highlighted that nuclear energy, along with coal and gas, will have importance in the Black Sea region with the new reactor planned to be planted in Sinop. He also mentioned the significance of their goal of clean energy and sustainable development. Stating that the use of nuclear energy will increase from 10% to 25% in the world, Çevik highlighted the need for human resources in this field. He concluded his speech by stating the contributions of Akkuyu to the electric production of Türkiye in 2026. He then expressed his thanks to all stakeholders, particularly Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer.
TESPAM Director Oğuzhan Akyener: The Turkish world will be a rising power in the field of energy.
By stating that economic growth is a determinant in the energy strategies in the Turkish world, Akyener said that Türkiye will be in the top 5 countries in the world economy in 2100. Highlighting the leadership of China in the sector of global energy, Akyener stated that the gas potential of Türkiye stems mostly from the Black Sea region.
He noted that Black Sea region has leading reserves in terms of rare soil elements.
Stating that global transportation relies on roads, Akyener emphasized that carbon emissions and logistics policies will directly affect energy strategies. Sharing detailed information on the coal and gas demand in the world, Akyener talked about the significance of this program and thanked particularly Rector Özölçer and those who contributed.
Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özarslan: “Coal reserves and their place in the industry are strategically significant.”
As the last speaker, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özarslan shared significant information on the kennel and hard coal rates, distribution of coal reserves, and various uses of hard coal in different areas of the industry. Evaluating the import and export data of hard coal across the world, Özarslan talked about the current situation and the potential of the coal reserves, as well as the difficulties experienced in the region. At the end of his speech, he thanked those who contributed to the program, particularly the Rector of BEUN, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer. Following the opening session, certificates of appreciation were presented to the speakers, and a commemorative group photo was taken.
The III International Black Sea Energy Conference will continue with online sessions with the participation of various universities and international research centers on December 2, 2025.
