University / Department: University of Dundee, Master’s Programme in Energy Finance

Current Institution and Position: Director of Sectoral Research – Energy Sector Lead, Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye

 

Could you briefly tell us about yourself?

I graduated as the top student of my faculty with a double major in Economics and Political Science & International Relations from Bahçeşehir University. Through a scholarship I received, I completed a summer school programme on the European Union and energy policies at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna. In addition, throughout my academic career, I have had the opportunity to undertake internships at various companies abroad and to take part in projects related to the European Union acquis, all funded by the European Union. Under the Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme, I completed my master’s degree in Energy Finance at the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom.

Throughout my professional career, I have specialised in energy market analytics, energy sector investments, and energy policies. I currently serve as Director of Sectoral Research and Energy Sector Lead at the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye. I also serve on the Advisory Board of the SHURA Energy Transition Center, where I strive to contribute to my country’s energy vision. 

 

How has your career evolved to where you are today?

My career has taken shape over more than fifteen years through building a strong bridge between technical analysis and strategic management, particularly in the energy sector. My journey began at APLUS Energy Consulting, where I developed Türkiye’s first electricity supply-demand and price models. I also took part in the development of various TÜBİTAK-supported software projects related to the energy sector.

I later worked at AKSA Energy in the fields of electricity market analysis, electricity retail portfolio management, and energy procurement. In line with the decarbonisation goals of our country and industry, I carried out Türkiye’s first blockchain-based renewable (unlicensed solar) energy certificate (I-REC) issuance.

Today, under the umbrella of the Development and Investment Bank of Türkiye, I contribute to the country’s sustainable development goals by establishing the sectoral and technical framework for both credit analysis and investment banking processes involving strategic energy and industrial investments exceeding $2 billion. 

 

Could you tell us about the university where you studied through the Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme and the subject you focused on?

Thanks to the Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme, I completed the MSc Energy Studies with Specialisation in Finance at the University of Dundee (CEPMLP) in the United Kingdom, one of the world’s leading centres in energy law and policy, with high honors.

During my studies, I focused on subjects such as the financial architecture of energy markets, risk management, and the investment feasibility of renewable energy projects. This academic foundation enabled me to view energy projects not only as technical engineering undertakings but also as initiatives that require financing solutions on a global scale.

 

How did the education you completed through the Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme influence your perspective on the European Union?

This education enabled me to understand that the European Union is not only a political bloc, but also an ecosystem that sets global energy standards and the rules of the green transition. Seeing first-hand the transformative power of the EU acquis in the areas of energy security and sustainability strengthened my vision of aligning projects in Türkiye with international bankability standards.

Today, while implementing innovative business models such as blockchain-based renewable energy certificate trading (I-REC), I continue to take the EU’s standards of transparency and traceability as a guiding framework.

 

What advice would you like to give to prospective Jean Monnet scholarship applicants?

I would advise candidates to view the Jean Monnet Scholarship Programme not merely as academic support, but as the privilege of becoming part of a global network and vision. They should already begin thinking about how they can combine the knowledge they gain during their studies with Türkiye’s development goals.

In addition, strengthening their dialogue with international financial institutions and regulatory bodies will be of vital importance when they return, particularly in terms of enhancing Türkiye’s position in the global energy arena.