The "Energy Law Congress 2025," organized by the Faculty of Law at Marmara University, the Oybirliği Association, and the Energy Experts Association with the contributions of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority, was held on Tuesday, February 25, at the Dr. İbrahim Üzümcü Conference Hall, hosted by Marmara University.

The opening speeches of the congress were delivered by the President of the Oybirliği Association, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Melih Çakır, the President of the Energy Experts Association, Ahmet Özkaya, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Marmara University, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akman, the Rector of Marmara University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt, and the Chairman of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority, Mustafa Yılmaz.

Mustafa Yılmaz, who began his speech by expressing gratitude to Marmara University for hosting the congress, emphasized the importance of the union between law and energy.

“Investment in the Energy Sector Depends on the Legal Security of the Country”

Mustafa Yılmaz, Chairman of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority, emphasized that law is present in every area of life and pointed out that if a country lacks legal security, investments in the energy sector cannot be made. He discussed the importance of renewable energy for both industrial production and the use of mechanical devices, stating, "The Energy Market Regulatory Authority, seen as the referee of the energy sector, provides both political and legal security for our country."

“Energy is Not Just Consumption, It is a Matter of Responsibility”

Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt, the Rector of Marmara University, who expressed his satisfaction with the Energy Law Congress taking place under the roof of Marmara University, stated, "Energy has been one of the key factors that determine the level of development of a civilization throughout human history. Today, our dependency on energy is much deeper and more complex than ever before."

Prof. Kurt highlighted the critical role of regulations and legal frameworks in managing the increasing energy consumption more efficiently and eco- friendly. He emphasized, "Energy, while being a major driving force for human social and economic development, is also a resource that must be managed responsibly and sustainably for future generations."

He added that while increasing energy consumption serves as a tool for economic growth, it carries serious risks in terms of environmental impacts and the depletion of natural resources, saying, "The excessive use of natural resources, the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and environmental degradation bring about global problems. Energy is no longer just a consumption issue; it is a matter of responsibility. People must contribute to this cycle not only by using energy but also by using resources efficiently and protecting the environment."

Starting his speech by expressing his satisfaction with the Energy Law Congress being held under the roof of Marmara University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt, Rector of Marmara University, stated, "Energy has been one of the key factors that determine the level of development of a civilization throughout human history. Today, our energy dependence is much deeper and more complex than in the past."

Prof. Kurt emphasized the critical role of regulations and legal frameworks in managing the ever-increasing energy consumption more efficiently and environmentally friendly, saying, "Energy is a major driving force for human social and economic development, but it is also a resource that must be managed responsibly and sustainably for future generations."

He pointed out that while the increase in energy consumption serves as a tool for economic growth, it also poses serious risks regarding environmental impacts and the depletion of natural resources. He added, "The excessive use of natural resources, the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and environmental degradation bring about global problems. Energy is no longer just a matter of consumption; it is a matter of responsibility. People must contribute to this cycle not only by using energy but also by using resources efficiently and protecting the environment."

“We Hope to Close the Energy Deficit with Power Plants Quickly”

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akman, the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Marmara University, talked about the amount of energy and the diversity of energy sources in Turkey, saying, "With a total installed capacity of 116,500 MW, we hope to quickly close the remaining energy deficit of our country with Akkuyu and other nuclear power plants." He pointed out that non-fossil and renewable energy sources constitute nearly 60% of the total energy resources in the country and, while considering environmental concerns, emphasized the vital importance of energy in advancing Turkey.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Melih Çakır, the President of the Oybirliği Association, emphasized the importance of the congress in terms of energy law and the development of energy markets, stating that this congress is also an important output for associations working in the fields of democracy and law. Following Çakır, Ahmet Özkaya, the President of the Energy Experts Association, stated that all aspects of the energy field should be discussed and significant solutions should be developed for the sector.

The congress, in which expert academicians and professionals in the energy sector discussed the critical aspects of energy law, took place in six sessions under the following topics: "Formation and Regulation of Energy Markets," "Legal Issues and Solutions in the Electricity Market-I," "Legal Issues and Solutions in the Electricity Market-II," "Energy Trade and the Fuel Market in Energy Markets," and "Energy Disputes."

At the congress, various topics were addressed, including the legal aspects of promoting eco- friendly energy sources and encouraging sustainable consumption habits, the current legal challenges in the energy market and the legal steps that need to be taken, the impact of future energy regulations on energy consumption, how the dynamics of energy markets can be aligned with environmental sustainability goals, the legal aspects of limiting fossil fuel consumption and replacing it with clean energy alternatives, and the most effective methods for resolving legal disputes facing the sector.

At the congress, various topics were addressed, including the legal aspects of promoting eco- friendly energy sources and encouraging sustainable consumption habits, the current legal challenges in the energy market and the legal steps that need to be taken, the impact of future energy regulations on energy consumption, how the dynamics of energy markets can be aligned with environmental sustainability goals, the legal aspects of limiting fossil fuel consumption and replacing it with clean energy alternatives, and the most effective methods for resolving legal disputes facing the sector.