CIU Organizes seminar on Renewable Energy and Climate Change

The topics debated at the seminar organized by the Cyprus International University (CIU) Department of Energy Systems Engineering were ‘100% renewable energy and global climate change’. Prof. Tanay Sıdkı Uyar was present as speaker during the seminar which was held at Çevik Uraz Conference Hall.

Inaugurating the seminar, Coordinator for the CIU Rector’s Office and Head of the Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Associate Prof. Dr. Serkan Abbasoğlu stated that renewable energy sources were environmentally friendly and sustainable sources of energy.

Dr. Abbasoğlu indicated that a growing increase in the use of these sources would reduce the dismal effects that the fossil fuels had on the environment. Introducing the main speaker, he added, “having served in numerous international energy related organizations, Prof. Dr. Uyar is a member of the family, here, with the CIU Department of Energy Systems Engineering”.

Prof. Uyar started his speech by underlining that efficient energy consumption was more significant than energy generation. Prof. Uyar explained that three principal requirements for accessing 100 % renewable energy were sufficient sources, appropriate technology and the resolve of decision makers. Pointing out that Turkey and Cyprus were very lucky concerning sources, Prof. Uyar said that sun and wind had a particularly significant potential in the region.

Indicating that renewable energy technologies were at an economically and technically adequate level, Tanay Sıdkı Uyar explained that the major obstacle faced in the region was the resolve of decision makers. Using the energy planning undertaken by Germany for the period leading up to 2050 as an example, Uyar stated that ‘energy efficiency and renewable energy sources were not elements that solely lent themselves to meeting the energy needs of countries, but were also rather significant elements concerning the sovereignty of countries.’

Prof. Uyar also underlined that in addition to the points indicated above, motivated by dismal environmental effects of nuclear and fossil fuel based power plants, many countries were currently taking significant measures against these.

Attendants were also informed that the 2014 Conference of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) had taken place in Peru, was attended by a large crowd of participants. Explaining that the new works that were currently underway would be defined at the 2015 Paris Conference to be held with the aim of preventing climate change. Prof. Uyar said that the aim of 100% renewable source of energy was one of the most significant steps towards resolving the issue of climate change.

In conclusion Prof. Uyar discussed the “International 100% Renewable Energy Conference” (IRENEC) where he is the head of the organizational committee, and which is supported by CIU, pointed out that the 5th International 100% Renewable Energy Conference would be held this year. Prof. Dr. Uyar underlined that this was an important conference that will bring together academics, many NGOs and professional chambers. Uyar added that equipped with scientific goals, the conference will play an important role in raising public awareness under the topic of renewable energy.

Credit: CIU