Atatürk University | SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy | Indicator 7.4.2
Reporting Year: 2025 | Long-Term Vision: 2035–2040
Atatürk University supports the transition towards 100% renewable energy as a long-term sustainability vision for the wider community. Through renewable energy research, community engagement, educational activities and cooperation with external stakeholders, the University contributes to public understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with a fully renewable energy future.
The University’s approach builds upon existing renewable energy initiatives, technical expertise and regional energy planning research, while identifying opportunities to encourage municipalities, local businesses, civil society organisations and residents to participate in a shared renewable energy commitment.
During 2025, university activities included renewable energy education, practical field observations, sustainability-focused engagement and scientific research relevant to clean energy technologies.
The following framework distinguishes documented activities from proposed mechanisms for establishing a formal public pledge.
1. Institutional Vision and Commitment to Renewable Energy
1.1. Promoting a 100% Renewable Energy Future
Atatürk University recognises the importance of accelerating the transition from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources.
A long-term vision of 100% renewable energy provides a common direction for public discussion, technological development and cooperation among community stakeholders.
The University’s proposed community pledge framework focuses on:
- Encouraging public support for a fully renewable energy future.
- Increasing awareness of solar, wind, hydroelectric and other renewable technologies.
- Promoting cooperation between universities, municipalities, businesses and civil society.
- Supporting renewable energy education and technical knowledge exchange.
- Encouraging voluntary commitments to renewable energy adoption.
- Developing transparent mechanisms for monitoring progress.
A possible target horizon of 2035 or 2040 is retained from the previous roadmap as an illustrative commitment period, not an officially verified institutional or municipal deadline.
1.2. Strategic Foundations
Atatürk University’s renewable energy activities provide a foundation for promoting wider community engagement.
These include:
- Solar energy projects.
- Energy efficiency research.
- Renewable energy education.
- Sustainable engineering activities.
- Regional energy planning studies.
- Environmental awareness initiatives.
- Sustainability-related institutional communication.
These activities demonstrate relevant expertise and public engagement capacity, although they do not by themselves constitute a signed 100% renewable energy pledge.
2. Regional Research Supporting a 100% Renewable Energy Vision
2.1. Renewable Energy Approach in Erzurum Province
Atatürk University-affiliated researchers contributed to the study “Renewable Energy Approach in Energy Planning of Erzurum Province.”
The study was presented at the 1st International 100% Renewable Energy Conference, held in İstanbul on 17–19 April 2024.
The research is directly relevant to this indicator because it connects regional energy planning with the international discussion of a transition towards 100% renewable energy.
Its significance includes:
- Examination of renewable energy in the context of Erzurum Province.
- Contribution to regional energy planning discussions.
- Academic engagement with the 100% renewable energy concept.
- Development of a knowledge base for future community and municipal discussions.
This earlier research provides a particularly relevant foundation for the University’s 2025 renewable energy engagement.
Evidence: Renewable Energy Approach in Energy Planning of Erzurum Province – AVESİS
3. Renewable Energy Education and Field Engagement in 2025
3.1. Renewable Energy Field Study – 5 May 2025
On 5 May 2025, Atatürk University’s Department of Geography organised an educational field study focusing on renewable energy and rural development.
The programme included a visit to the solar power plant in Umudum Neighbourhood, Erzurum, allowing students to observe renewable electricity generation in a real-world setting.
The field study also covered locations in Aşkale and surrounding rural areas, connecting energy resources with geographical and regional development considerations.
The activity supported learning about:
- Solar electricity generation.
- Renewable energy infrastructure.
- Regional renewable energy potential.
- The relationship between energy resources and land use.
- Sustainable regional development.
The activity demonstrates the University’s engagement with renewable energy facilities beyond campus boundaries.
However, the documented participants were university students and academic staff; the event should not be presented as a public pledge or community-wide endorsement campaign.
Evidence: Atatürk University – Renewable Energy and Rural Tourism Field Studies, 7 May 2025
3.2. Engineering for Sustainability Seminar – 9 May 2025
On 9 May 2025, the University’s Climate Change Coordination Office and Faculty of Engineering announced the “Engineering for Sustainability” seminar.
The event involved representatives of the Sustainability Steps Association (SADE) and GRUNDFOS, connecting university education with civil society and industry expertise.
The seminar demonstrates the University’s capacity to convene sustainability-focused discussions involving external organisations.
Such cooperation is relevant to the development of future renewable energy commitments, particularly where technological feasibility, resource efficiency and stakeholder participation must be considered together.
The announcement does not independently confirm that a formal 100% renewable energy pledge was discussed or adopted during the event.
Evidence: Atatürk University – Climate Change Coordination Office
4. Community Renewable Energy Demonstration Projects
4.1. Solar Energy for a Greener Future
The project “Increasing the Use of Green Energy (Solar Energy) for a Greener Future”, associated with Oltu Vocational School, provides an example of renewable energy demonstration and community awareness.
The project involved solar-powered lighting applications and aimed to improve awareness of renewable energy among students and the local community.
Its stated objectives included encouraging the wider adoption of solar technologies in institutions, residences and workplaces.
This project demonstrates how practical renewable energy applications can support public understanding and acceptance of clean energy.
The documented implementation dates to 2020 and is included as evidence of established outreach experience rather than a newly completed 2025 project.
Evidence: Social Responsibility Projects Centre – Solar Energy for a Greener Future
4.2. University Solar Energy Initiative
The University’s previously documented “Güneş Yeni Umutlarla Artık Daha Bir Başka Doğacak” project proposed a solar photovoltaic installation at its Livestock Research and Application Centre.
The project described:
- Planned capacity: 50 kW.
- Estimated annual electricity generation: Approximately 80,000 kWh.
- Intended contribution: Greater use of renewable electricity.
This initiative provides a practical reference for explaining renewable energy technologies and their potential benefits to community stakeholders.
The proposed figures should not be interpreted as verified electricity production during 2025.
Evidence: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry – Solar Energy Initiative
5. Proposed Public Pledge and Endorsement Campaign
5.1. Community Commitment to 100% Renewable Energy
The University’s previous sustainability roadmap identifies the development of a public pledge as a mechanism for encouraging community-wide commitment.
The proposed pledge would invite:
- Local municipalities.
- Provincial public institutions.
- Civil society organisations.
- Local businesses.
- Professional associations.
- Community groups.
- Individual residents.
Participants would be encouraged to publicly endorse the long-term transition towards 100% renewable energy.
5.2. Suggested Pledge Statement
“We support the transition towards a future powered by 100% renewable energy and commit to promoting energy efficiency, expanding the responsible use of renewable energy technologies and contributing to a sustainable energy future for Erzurum and the wider community.”
This is a proposed statement for a future public campaign. It is not presented as an officially adopted declaration.
5.3. Endorsement Mechanisms
A public pledge campaign could include:
- Online endorsement forms.
- Public signature campaigns.
- Community information stands.
- Institutional declarations.
- Voluntary commitments by local organisations.
- Publication of participating organisations.
A publicly accessible register of endorsements would provide direct evidence of community participation.
No verified 2025 signatory register has been identified for this proposed campaign.
6. Public Meetings, Forums and Renewable Energy Discussions
Public participation is important for building a shared understanding of the transition towards renewable energy.
The proposed engagement programme identifies several potential formats.
6.1. Community Renewable Energy Forums
Public forums could address:
- Erzurum’s renewable energy potential.
- The feasibility of a 100% renewable energy transition.
- Solar and wind energy technologies.
- Renewable heating solutions.
- Energy storage.
- Electricity infrastructure.
- Economic and environmental benefits.
- Financing and implementation challenges.
6.2. Municipality–University Dialogue
Cooperation with local authorities could support discussions about:
- Renewable energy in municipal facilities.
- Solar installations on public buildings.
- Sustainable energy planning.
- Energy efficiency in public services.
- Community participation.
- Long-term renewable energy commitments.
The Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality is a relevant potential stakeholder.
Its inclusion here does not imply that the Municipality has endorsed a 100% renewable energy pledge.
6.3. Collaboration with Civil Society and Industry
The University’s 2025 engagement with external sustainability and engineering organisations provides a foundation for future discussions.
Potential partners may contribute expertise concerning:
- Technical feasibility.
- Public communication.
- Energy efficiency.
- Renewable energy investment.
- Community engagement.
- Environmental benefits.
Formal partnerships for a public pledge should be supported by cooperation agreements or event records.
7. Public Awareness and Communication Strategy
7.1. Communicating the 100% Renewable Energy Vision
The University’s sustainability communication infrastructure provides opportunities to explain the importance of transitioning towards renewable energy.
A proposed public communication campaign would focus on:
- The meaning of 100% renewable energy.
- The environmental benefits of clean electricity.
- Renewable energy opportunities in Erzurum.
- Practical actions for households and businesses.
- Energy efficiency as a complementary measure.
- The importance of long-term public commitments.
7.2. Digital Communication
Potential communication channels include:
- The University’s official website.
- The SDG portal.
- Social media.
- Public announcements.
- Educational videos.
- Infographics.
- Community project publications.
Institutional platforms:
7.3. Annual Renewable Energy Pledge Day
The previous roadmap also identifies the possibility of an annual public event dedicated to renewable energy commitments.
Such an event could feature:
- Renewable energy exhibitions.
- Community discussions.
- Student demonstrations.
- Public endorsement opportunities.
- Local stakeholder presentations.
- Updates on renewable energy progress.
This remains a proposed activity; an annual 2025 event under this title has not been independently verified.
8. Renewable Energy Research and Technical Expertise in 2025
The University’s scientific activities provide additional technical knowledge relevant to a future renewable energy transition.
In 2025, university-affiliated researchers published studies addressing:
- Photovoltaic systems combined with heat pumps.
- Solar collector thermal performance.
- Sustainable energy technologies.
- Energy and water management in photovoltaic hybrid systems.
These studies contribute to the technical understanding of renewable energy solutions and their potential applications.
8.1. Photovoltaic and Heat Pump Integration
The 2025 study “Effect of Photovoltaic Combined Heat Pump System on Energy Production: An Experimental Optimization” examined an integrated energy system.
The work is relevant to the transition towards cleaner electricity and heating technologies.
8.2. Solar Collector Research
The 2025 study “Experimental and Numerical Thermal Analysis of Conical Solar Collector Using Helical Absorber Tube” investigated solar thermal technology.
Such research contributes to the development of more efficient renewable energy systems.
Evidence: Atatürk University – Academic Research Publications
These studies demonstrate academic capacity but are not evidence of public endorsement of a 100% renewable energy pledge.
9. Proposed Monitoring and Accountability Framework
A credible public pledge should include measurable indicators and transparent reporting.
The University’s previous roadmap identifies a public monitoring framework that could include:
| Indicator | Intended Purpose |
|---|---|
| Number of public pledge signatories | Measure community participation |
| Number of participating organisations | Track institutional engagement |
| Number of public meetings | Monitor opportunities for dialogue |
| Number of awareness activities | Evaluate public outreach |
| Installed renewable energy capacity | Track renewable infrastructure |
| Renewable energy generation | Measure electricity production |
| Renewable energy share | Assess progress towards the long-term vision |
| Estimated emissions avoided | Evaluate environmental contribution |
| Annual public progress reports | Support transparency |
9.1. Digital Pledge Dashboard
A proposed dashboard on the University’s SDG portal could display:
- Participating institutions.
- Public endorsements.
- Renewable energy commitments.
- Campaign activities.
- Progress indicators.
- Supporting documentation.
9.2. Annual Reporting
Annual progress reporting could distinguish:
- Commitments made.
- Activities completed.
- Renewable energy capacity installed.
- Measured renewable electricity generation.
- Future actions.
These measures are proposed accountability mechanisms and should not be reported as operational 2025 systems without supporting evidence.
10. Strategic Roadmap for Community Renewable Energy Commitment
| Stage | Proposed Activities | Intended Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Research, demonstration projects and sustainability education | Strengthen awareness and technical capacity |
| Public engagement | Meetings, panels and community discussions | Increase public participation |
| Pledge development | Prepare a public commitment statement and invite endorsements | Establish a documented public pledge |
| Partnership development | Engage municipalities, businesses and civil society | Broaden institutional participation |
| Implementation | Encourage renewable energy projects and efficiency measures | Support practical transition activities |
| Monitoring | Publish participation and renewable energy indicators | Improve transparency |
| Long-term vision | Evaluate progress towards a potential 2035–2040 transition horizon | Sustain public commitment |
The roadmap reflects proposed stages of development rather than verified completion milestones.
11. Supporting Evidence
| Evidence Source | Relevance |
|---|---|
| Renewable Energy Approach in Energy Planning of Erzurum Province | Academic engagement with the 100% renewable energy concept |
| 2025 Renewable Energy Field Study | Direct observation of regional renewable energy infrastructure |
| Climate Change Coordination Office | Sustainability seminar and engagement with external organisations |
| Solar Energy for a Greener Future | Community-oriented renewable energy awareness project |
| University Solar Energy Initiative | Renewable energy project development |
| 2025 Solar Energy Research | Technical expertise in renewable energy technologies |
| Atatürk University SDG Portal | Public sustainability communication platform |
12. Contribution to SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
Atatürk University contributes to the wider discussion of a 100% renewable energy future through regional energy planning research, renewable energy education, practical demonstrations and sustainability engagement.
Its academic participation in the International 100% Renewable Energy Conference provides a direct connection to the global renewable energy transition agenda.
In 2025, renewable energy field education, sustainability-oriented external engagement and scientific research further supported the institutional knowledge base for clean energy adoption.
Building on these activities, the University has identified a potential framework for promoting public commitments involving municipalities, businesses, civil society organisations and residents.
The proposed framework includes public pledges, stakeholder discussions, awareness campaigns, voluntary endorsements and transparent progress monitoring.
Together, these activities and proposed mechanisms provide a foundation for advancing SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, Indicator 7.4.2: Promoting a Public Pledge Toward 100% Renewable Energy in the Wider Community.
