02.06.2026 13:51
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar stated that all electricity used during the Zero Waste Festival will be provided from renewable sources, saying, 'Thus, we will be the world's first YEK-G, that is, renewable resource certified festival. This organization aims to shape not only today but also the future. Because efficiency in energy, savings in resources, and recycling are the fundamental elements of Turkey's goal of energy independence.'
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar stated that all electricity used during the Zero Waste Festival will be supplied from renewable sources, saying, "Thus, we will be the world's first YEK-G, that is, renewable resource certified festival. This organization aims not only to shape today but also the future. Because efficiency in energy, savings in resources, and recycling are also fundamental elements of Turkey's energy independence goal."
Minister Bayraktar spoke at the press promotion program before the "Zero Waste Festival," which will be held in Istanbul on June 4-7 with the theme "Efficiency in Energy, Transformation in the Future," and for which Anadolu Agency (AA) is the Global Communication Partner.
Bayraktar noted that they have come together to be part of a strong vision for the future, shared responsibility, and a global transformation movement, and recorded the following:
"The Zero Waste Movement, initiated in 2017 under the auspices of the esteemed Mrs. Emine Erdoğan, has now transformed into a major environmental and sustainability brand not only for Turkey but also for the world. Thanks to this vision, March 30 has been declared 'International Zero Waste Day' by the United Nations, making Turkey one of the leading countries in environmental diplomacy in this regard. Within the scope of the June 1-7 Zero Waste Week, our Istanbul will be the center of this global movement."
"WE AIM TO SPREAD THE ZERO WASTE CULTURE"
Bayraktar stated that they aim to raise awareness and spread the zero waste culture through events held throughout the week.
Bayraktar, noting that the Zero Waste Festival will be held for the first time at Atatürk Airport on June 4-7 within this scope, said, "This festival will be a very comprehensive organization that will raise awareness among many of our citizens about the environment, energy efficiency, and sustainable living. As the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, together with the Zero Waste Foundation under the auspices of the esteemed Mrs. Erdoğan, with the slogan 'Efficiency in Energy, Transformation in the Future,' we aim to bring energy efficiency and zero waste understanding to society in our homes, workplaces, industry, transportation, agriculture, that is, in all areas of life and the economy during this festival."
Bayraktar stated that in the 60 thousand square meter festival area, awareness in this area will be increased through hundreds of events, workshops, competitions, stage performances, and interactive experiences, using the expression, "It will be a sustainability gathering that makes learning possible while having fun."
"ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ZERO WASTE ARE TWO FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENTS OF A MINDSET"
Bayraktar, also touching upon the global energy and climate crisis, continued as follows:
"In such a period, using our energy efficiently, protecting our resources, and reintroducing our waste into the economy is no longer a choice, not a trend, but a necessity, an obligation. Therefore, we act with this awareness. Energy efficiency and zero waste are actually two fundamental elements of a mindset. At the center of both is the prevention of waste, the correct use of resources, and ultimately a sustainable development goal. We are conducting a comprehensive energy efficiency mobilization across the entire economy, in our buildings, industry, transportation, and agriculture. Because we know that unused energy is the cleanest, most economical, and safest energy source, which has zero waste. Therefore, we are also working to turn this national mobilization into a global action now. The Zero Waste Festival will make a significant contribution to achieving this goal."
Bayraktar stated that everyone will find experiences that appeal to them at the festival area, making the assessment, "A very wide content has been prepared, from renewable energy technologies to artificial intelligence-supported applications, from recycling workshops to sustainable transportation solutions. A very serious effort has been made. Our visitors will learn by experiencing the strong relationship between energy efficiency and zero waste. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to see many innovative works, from the recovery of critical metals from electronic waste to biogas production and sustainable agricultural practices, applied."
Drawing attention to a milestone to be achieved at the festival, Bayraktar said, "All electricity used during the festival will be supplied from renewable sources, and this will be verified with YEK-G certificates. Thus, we will be the world's first YEK-G, renewable resource certified festival. This organization aims not only to shape today but also the future. Because efficiency in energy, savings in resources, and recycling are also fundamental elements of Turkey's energy independence goal."
Bayraktar, recalling that the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will be held this year under Turkey's presidency and hosting, said, "We sincerely believe that the Zero Waste Movement will find a much stronger global response during the COP31 process. I especially want to invite our youth, our children, and ladies to our festival. Because I believe that we can only achieve a sustainable future with their conscious contributions."
ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET ACHIEVED OVER 130 PERCENT IN 2024-2025
Answering questions from press members, Minister Bayraktar stated that Turkey's electricity demand has increased 3 times in the last 20-25 years, and this will increase further with data centers, artificial intelligence, and the use of electric vehicles, and significant investments are needed to meet this demand.
Bayraktar, drawing attention to the fact that while meeting the increasing demand, measures to reduce energy imports are also being taken, said, "We have important solution efforts such as bringing domestic energy and renewable energy sources online. On the other hand, there is our President's goal for Turkey to be a net zero economy by 2053. This is an even more challenging goal than everything I have described. From the perspective of the 2053 energy world or achieving such a great goal, it is not a very long time, because net zero in 2053 means changing everything we know, are accustomed to, and do today, and it means this change is needed in all areas of the economy."
Bayraktar, noting that Turkey's priority is to ensure energy efficiency in industry, agriculture, transportation, and buildings, said, "When you look at the policies we have developed in this regard, we had the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan covering the years 2017-2023. We had a target of 14 percent savings in primary energy, and we achieved this target with a $8.5 billion investment. At the beginning of 2024, we announced our second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan."
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Bayraktar recalled that Turkey has an investment target of over 20 billion dollars in energy efficiency, including the public and private sectors, and stated that more than 130 percent of the energy efficiency targets for 2024-2025 were achieved, with the public and private sectors investing approximately 7.6 billion dollars.
Bayraktar, noting that energy efficiency is a process starting from homes and spanning all areas of life, where citizens of all ages can contribute, said that awareness and consciousness in this field are critically important, and it is aimed to turn this into a culture over time.
Bayraktar stated that they observe this culture beginning to form in families and among children, and they see young people and children as voluntary ambassadors, urging them to encourage their families in this regard.
Recalling the target of 30 percent energy savings in public buildings by 2030, Bayraktar expressed that new buildings are being constructed in line with energy efficiency, existing building stock is being renovated, municipal waste is being converted into energy within the scope of a circular economy, and training for public personnel is being conducted, all carried out with a mobilization approach.
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