Atatürk University provides comprehensive, direct services to local and regional industries to enhance energy efficiency, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and promote the adoption of clean energy technologies. These services are implemented through its advanced research centers, technology transfer mechanisms, and university–industry collaboration initiatives, positioning the university as a regional innovation leader in sustainable energy transformation.
1. Institutional Structures and Service Units
a) DAYTAM — Eastern Anatolia High Technology Application and Research Center
The Eastern Anatolia High Technology Application and Research Center (DAYTAM) is one of the most advanced research infrastructures in eastern Türkiye. It provides testing, measurement, material characterization, and analytical services to both university researchers and industrial clients.
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Scope of Services: DAYTAM’s laboratories specialize in spectroscopy, chromatography, microscopy, electrochemistry, and material science, enabling industries to test the efficiency, conductivity, and durability of materials used in renewable energy systems, batteries, and energy-efficient technologies.
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Energy-Related R&D Support: Research projects include electrochemical energy storage, conductive substrate development, and nanomaterial optimization for energy devices.
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Access Policy: The center’s fee structure and service protocols explicitly show that laboratories are open to external stakeholders, ensuring direct industrial collaboration.
(Source: daytam.atauni.edu.tr; atauni.edu.tr)
b) ATA Teknokent — University–Industry Collaboration Platform
ATA Teknokent, the university’s technology development zone, acts as the interface between academia and the private sector.
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Industrial Site Visits: University experts conduct regular on-site visits to energy companies such as Biren Enerji, where they exchange knowledge on energy innovation, R&D capacity building, and efficiency improvements in production processes.
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Consulting and Project Development: These visits result in joint projects and technical consultations addressing challenges in clean energy transition and efficiency optimization.
(Source: atateknokent.com.tr)
c) Research Laboratories and Technical Infrastructure
DAYTAM offers over 4,000 m² of high-tech laboratory space, including clean rooms, spectroscopy and imaging systems, and gas chromatography units. These facilities are frequently used by industrial partners for energy material testing, quality control, and performance analysis of clean technologies.
(Source: atauni.edu.tr)
d) University–Industry Partnership Agreements
Atatürk University frequently signs cooperation protocols with industrial enterprises for R&D, training, and consultancy. For instance, its collaboration with Agrokur Organic Inc. supports sustainable agriculture by improving energy and water efficiency in irrigation systems.
(Source: atauni.edu.tr)
e) Joint Clean Energy Research with TUSAŞ
A strategic partnership with TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace Industries) established a Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Research Laboratory on campus, where scientists and engineers jointly develop clean propulsion systems, hybrid fuel technologies, and hydrogen-based energy solutions.
(Source: mildefin.com)
2. Services and Implementation Models
a) Energy Audits and Technical Assessments
Atatürk University provides energy audits and diagnostics for industrial facilities. Multidisciplinary teams from the Faculty of Engineering and Facility Management evaluate lighting, heating, motor systems, insulation, and process energy flows to identify inefficiencies and propose technical solutions.
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Each assessment generates a detailed technical report including quantified savings potential (kWh, thermal units), CO₂ reduction, and investment payback periods.
(Evidence: Field activities under ATA Teknokent’s industry visits — atateknokent.com.tr)
b) Training Workshops and Industrial Seminars
DAYTAM organizes training courses, seminars, and workshops on topics such as energy auditing, industrial efficiency, renewable energy integration, and data-based energy management. These events are open to both university and industrial personnel.
(Source: atauni.edu.tr)
c) Collaborative R&D and Pilot Projects
The university’s scientists and industry partners co-develop pilot technologies such as:
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Electrochemical energy storage systems based on advanced conductive materials.
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Hybrid solar and battery microgrids for industrial applications.
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Waste-heat recovery systems for manufacturing plants in the Erzurum Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ).
(Evidence: DAYTAM’s project list — daytam.atauni.edu.tr)
d) Technology Transfer and Consultancy
Atatürk University provides consulting services for firms applying energy-efficient technologies, including:
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Guidance on selecting low-energy equipment and high-efficiency motors.
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Application support for national incentive programs such as KAYEP (Public Energy Efficiency Program) and TÜBİTAK TEYDEB industrial R&D grants.
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Technical support for feasibility studies and patent applications related to renewable energy technologies.
e) Post-Implementation Monitoring
University teams assist companies in performance monitoring and verification after the implementation of efficiency measures, using digital sensors and data analytics to track real-time performance improvements.
