Gulsen Cagatay and Emir Yildirim
11 November 2026•Update: 11 November 2026
Global cooperation and concrete industrial applications are key to driving widespread green hydrogen adoption, a UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) official said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a special session during the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, UNIDO Global Hydrogen in Industry Program head Petra Schwager said policies must first address domestic needs.
She added that domestic alignment is needed before integrating small-scale producers and low-income exporters into the global market.
Moderated by H2DER Secretary-General Fatih Kuscu, the session titled “International Cooperation and Opportunities for Green Hydrogen and Its Derivatives in Türkiye” featured Schwager and H2DER President Yusuf Gunay.
Biga Hydrogen founding partner Murat Asci and Akfen Renewable Energy board member Pelin Akin also joined the panel.
Schwager noted that UNIDO’s cooperation with Türkiye on hydrogen dates back to 2004, evolving from an initial transport focus into a broader industrial strategy.
Gunay said Türkiye’s wind and solar capacity positions the country as a key partner for Europe’s green hydrogen supply, with efforts underway to turn Türkiye-Germany cooperation into commercial investments.
He noted that using surplus renewable energy to power electrolyzers is vital for production, while flexible electricity tariffs, direct incentives, and long-term purchase agreements will sharpen Türkiye’s competitiveness.
