Ankara-based solar energy firm Gumbel Group will invest $15 million in technological research for solar energy projects in Turkey this year, the head of the Gumbel Group said on Friday.
Mustafa Herdem, president of Gumbel Group, said in an exclusive interview with the Anadolu Agency that the firm, which focuses solely on solar energy, integrated technologies and Engineering Procurement and Construction projects in Turkey, aims to use its 'made in Turkey' software for solar panels to increase solar energy efficiency.
Turkey is actively participating in boosting its solar energy potential by expanding the number of solar energy tenders offered to encourage feasible investments.
This has been done by offering up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) in capacity through the mini solar Renewable Energy Resource Zone (YEKA) tenders. For the Gumbel Group’s part, Herdem said the firm is interested in investments of 20 MW in capacity.
Previously on May. 2021, Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez announced that Turkey had received 709 applications for 74 upcoming, mini solar YEKA tenders of up to 1,000 MW in 36 provinces throughout the country. The number of applications equates to an average of 9.6 applications per tender, totaling 9,440 megawatts in capacity.
'This is a huge number of applications, showing local and international investors' appetite for sure,' Herdem said, adding that he expects more interest in the future in line with Turkey’s renewed 2023 target for increased solar deployment.
Turkey revised its renewable energy target for 2023, with additional steps to increase the share of clean electricity production from 31% to more than 50% by 2023.
- Solar tracking
The Gumbel Group has developed solar tracking technology to boost solar energy even in areas that are considered low potential.
The technology is used globally, but the Group’s engineers have developed a Turkish-branded product for solar tracking.
The firm, having already tested the software and used it for its own solar projects, is responding to inquiries and aims to soon showcase the product for local and international buyers.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr