Organised by Eastern Mediterranean University, Business and Economics Faculty, Banking and Finance Department, a panel titled “Planning and Management of Electric Production in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” took place under the moderatorship of Prof. Dr. Mustafa Besim at Mustafa Afşin Ersoy Hall 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 4 April 2018.
At the opening ceremony of the panel during which the problems encountered in the energy production of the TRNC and possible solutions were listed, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özkaramanlı delivered an opening speech. Welcoming all participants to the panel which is of great importance, Prof Dr. Özkaramanlı expressed his pleasure in hosting a meaningful organisation as such. Highlighting the importance of the energy sector for the welfare of the society and citizens as well as the socio-economic development, Prof. Dr. Özkaramanlı also touched upon the importance of sustainability in the field of energy. At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Özkaramanlı stated the significance of a project approved by all levels of the society.
“Our Country’s Welfare is Related with the Production of Added Value”
Delivering a speech at the event, TRNC Minister of Economy and Energy Özdil Nami expressed his views as follows: “Considering the developments on the island and our environment, I believe the panel will shed light on the prospective steps to be taken in the near future. Our country’s welfare has a close connection with the production of added value. For the production of added value, production of cheap and sustainable electricity is a must”. Minister Nami also talked about the importance given to energy demand by the new government as well as suitable energy policies.
One of the speakers at the panel METU North Cyprus Campus, Engineering Faculty, Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Fahrioğlu extended his appreciation towards those who organised the panel and stated that energy planning should take place as a comprehensive transformation strategy. After Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fahrioğlu’s presentation, Eastern Mediterranean University, Business and Economics Faculty, Banking and Finance Department Assist. Prof. Dr. Hasan Ulaş Altıok talked about the possible outcomes of bringing electricity from Turkey through cable. Assist. Prof. Dr. Hasan Ulaş Altıok also put forth that without conducting feasibility work, a project as such should not be signed. Assist. Prof. Dr. Altıok also invited all stakeholders to evaluate the possibility of energy production through natural gas, which is an environment friendly and cost-effective means of energy.
During his speech, Umut Öksüzoğlu, the head of EL-SEN, evaluated the matter from the standpoint of KIB-TEK and power generation, and gave the floor to the former head of the Chamber of Turkish Cypriot Electric Engineers Mert Girgen. By stating the importance of electric energy on all sectors, Girgen touched on the energy throughout the world which is done accordingly with the sources.
KIB-TEK Executive Board President Ahmet Hüdaoğlu also delivered a speech during the panel. In his speech, Hüdaoğlu stated the following: “KIB-TEK is an institution that can produce its own projects, bring the projects into life and also obtain the finances for such projects through its position”.
Questions coming from the audience were answered after the presentations. At the end of the panel, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Özkaramanlı presented plaques to all the panelists for their participation.