Success Story: Melikgazi Municipality's "The Solar City Project"
The growing global threat of climate change has made it inevitable for local governments to turn to renewable energy sources. In response to this global challenge, Melikgazi Municipality implemented the "The Solar City Project," supported by the European Union with a budget of €167.186,98. The project aimed to reduce carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources and lead the municipality's energy transition.
Project Development and Implementation Process
The Solar City Project was carried out in four main steps, and throughout this process, Melikgazi Municipality's Research and Development Department successfully managed the application, monitoring, implementation, and reporting activities.
- Solar Energy System Installation for Agricultural Irrigation Facilities: Melikgazi Municipality installed a solar energy system at an agricultural irrigation facility, reducing energy costs and eliminating the use of fossil fuels. This step became an important model for transitioning to sustainable energy use in agriculture.
- Solar Power Plant Installation on the Municipality Building: With the installation of 100 kWe solar panels on the roof of the municipal building, a significant portion of the municipality's energy needs began to be met by solar energy. This innovation is expected to result in significant energy cost savings and prevent 300.000 kg of carbon emissions annually.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations were installed, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly energy source for electric vehicle owners in the Melikgazi district. These stations made a significant contribution to the increased use of electric vehicles in the district.
- Procurement of Electric Waste Collection Vehicle: A 100% electric waste collection vehicle was procured for the Environmental Protection and Control Department, used in recycling activities. This vehicle is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 50.000 kg annually.
Project Outcomes and Impacts
The Solar City Project made significant contributions to Melikgazi Municipality's energy transition. With the installation of solar power plants, eco-friendly waste collection vehicles, and electric vehicle charging stations, carbon emissions are being significantly reduced. By the end of the project, a total of 350.000 kg of carbon emissions will have been prevented. Additionally, this initiative encouraged other municipalities in Kayseri to adopt solar energy systems.
The project increased the use of renewable energy in all areas, from agricultural irrigation to municipal services, making the Melikgazi district more sustainable for the future. In the fight against climate change, Melikgazi Municipality has become a notable example both locally and nationally, ensuring not just the present but also the future with The Solar City Project.
A Model for the Future
Melikgazi Municipality's project did not remain confined within the district's borders but also served as a model for other municipalities in Türkiye. The promotion of solar energy use, particularly in agricultural irrigation and municipal services, increased the potential for other local governments to contribute to the energy transition.
This successfully completed project once again demonstrated that renewable energy is one of the most important tools in the fight against climate change. The Solar City Project stands out as a success story, showcasing Melikgazi Municipality's commitment to environmental responsibility and its determination in combating climate change.
Success Story: Bağcılar Municipality's "Solar Power Plant Project"
In the midst of the global imperative to combat climate change, Bağcılar Municipality's Solar Power Plant Project stands out as a critical step towards climate change mitigation and sustainable energy transition. Following comprehensive assessments of Bağcılar's local needs and conditions, solar energy was identified as the most suitable renewable energy source to reduce carbon emissions and meet increasing electricity demands.
Project Development and Goals
Bağcılar Municipality successfully completed the installation of a 171 kWp solar power plant in alignment with its Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP). This solar plant is expected to generate 204 MWh of electricity annually, preventing the release of 100.318 kg of carbon emissions. The solar panels installed on the roof of the municipality building now supply 14% of the building’s electricity needs.
The project was financed by a grant of €142.419 from the Lithuanian Central Project Management Agency (CPMA) and the European Union. While indirectly benefiting the residents of Bağcılar, this initiative also brings cleaner energy and environmental benefits to the region, providing cost savings and sustainability gains for the municipality.
A Step Towards the Future
Bağcılar Municipality's Solar Power Plant Project not only addresses local energy needs but also makes a significant contribution to Türkiye’s sustainable development, climate change mitigation goals, and the transition to clean energy. This success story demonstrates that municipalities can lead the way in energy transition and secure a sustainable future through environmentally conscious projects.
