University Contributes to Both the Environment and Its Budget Through Solar Energy Investment
ANTALYA (AA) – MUSTAFA KURT – Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University (ALKU) has produced more energy than it consumes through its solar energy investment, implemented as part of its forward-looking sustainability vision.
The Kestel Campus Solar Power Plant (SPP) Project, launched with an investment of 50 million Turkish liras under an Energy Performance Contract (EPC) model—without using public funds—has not only met the university’s annual energy consumption of 0.9 megawatts but also generated an additional 1.7 megawatts of surplus energy.
Awarded third place in the Public Institutions category at the 10th Efficiency Project Awards organized by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the project stands out as the first solar power system implemented in the public sector using a performance contract model.
ALKU Rector Prof. Dr. Kenan Ahmet Türkdoğan told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the project is not merely about energy production but is also a key part of the university’s overall sustainability vision.
He explained that in the initial phase, systems that could be installed over the sea or on still water surfaces were considered; however, based on performance and feasibility, campus rooftops and parking areas were deemed more efficient, and the project was implemented accordingly.
Highlighting that the project is a first in Turkey, Türkdoğan said,
“What sets us apart is that this is the first solar energy system implemented in the public sector using the Energy Performance Contract (EPC) model. The system was established with an investment of approximately 50 million liras by a private investor, and no payments were made from our university's budget. From the very first day, the system has been the property of our university. The company will earn revenue based on a pre-agreed share of the energy savings over a 14-year period.”
Türkdoğan noted that the university’s annual energy consumption is 0.9 megawatts, while its production reaches 1.7 megawatts.
He emphasized that the university not only meets its own energy needs but also generates income, stating:
“This project provides substantial financial gains as well as sustainability benefits. The energy produced is sufficient to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 600 apartments housing four people each. In 2024 alone, we generated a rough profit of 9.5 million liras.”
He also pointed out that one of the most valuable outcomes of the project is its environmental contribution, highlighting that the system offsets carbon emissions equivalent to those absorbed by 33,000 trees per year.
Türkdoğan added that the electric charging stations on campus support vehicles for people with disabilities and electric bicycles:
“We plan to encourage the use of electric scooters for student transportation within the campus. We are reinvesting the revenue generated from energy into new projects.”
Recalling that they participated in the competition organized by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, where 613 projects were evaluated across 11 categories, Türkdoğan stated that ALKU won third place in the public institutions category.
Emphasizing that the award has raised awareness, Türkdoğan said that there have been requests regarding the electric charging stations, and other universities have reached out for information, aiming to replicate the project under the EPC model.
He concluded by underscoring that, beyond energy savings and increased efficiency, the project's greatest value lies in fostering a culture of sustainability across the entire campus:
“We are planning further investments. Our aim is to develop our Gazipaşa, Akseki, and Cikcilli campuses in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to sustainable energy, we also prioritize clean water, rainwater harvesting, water efficiency, increasing green spaces, and achieving zero carbon emissions. Our goal is to integrate these values into all campuses and increase our energy production capacity to 4 megawatts.”