Support for the Renewable Energy Project

Support for Renewable Energy Project Bursa Technical University (BTÜ) Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Chemical Engineering Department Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Ünlü's project titled "Novel Hybrid Process for One-Step Synthesis of Gamma-Valerolactone from Furfural: Pervaporation Membrane Reactor" has been selected for TUBITAK support. Turkey supplies a large portion of its energy production from hydroelectric power plants. Within the framework of the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Turkey plans to obtain 40 percent of its total energy production from renewable energy sources. At this point, the use of biofuels becomes important. The project titled "Novel Hybrid Process for One-Step Synthesis of Gamma-Valerolactone from Furfural: Pervaporation Membrane Reactor," which Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Ünlü is conducting research on, will receive TUBITAK support.

Renewable Energy Project to Receive TUBITAK Support

Bursa Technical University (BTÜ) Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences Chemical Engineering Department Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Ünlü, who is leading the project titled "Novel Hybrid Process for One-Step Synthesis of Gamma-Valerolactone from Furfural: Pervaporation Membrane Reactor," made statements regarding the project's selection for TUBITAK support. Ünlü noted that the increased use of fossil fuels has resulted in growing environmental problems and increased interest in alternative energy sources. The project aims to obtain gamma-valerolactone in a membrane reactor in a single process under mild process conditions, in a short timeframe, with high yield and high purity. Gamma-valerolactone can be directly used as a green solvent, liquid fuel, and fuel additive, and can be converted into a wide collection of bio-based products ranging from green fuels to biopolymers.

Transition from Fossil Fuel-Based Sources to Renewable Alternatives

Dr. Derya Ünlü stated: "The transition from fossil fuel-based sources to renewable alternatives to meet the demands of the rapidly growing global population is an important necessity that sustainable industrial development faces. The negative effects of carbon dioxide emissions on climate change, as well as concerns regarding energy security and unpredictable oil pricing, have created the need to reduce societal dependence on fossil sources. Accordingly, significant efforts are being conducted to create green and sustainable chemicals, materials, and energy supply systems. Due to its environmental friendliness, the conversion of biomass into raw material chemicals and valuable biofuels is one of the topics that has received intense interest in recent years. All of these products can be produced in an integrated process under the biorefinery concept, similar to modern oil refineries today, thereby increasing the economic viability of biologically derived processes," he said.

Increased Production and Export of Products Sensitive to Human and Environmental Health

Ünlü emphasized that the main objective of the project is to increase the sector's share in global production and exports. Ünlü stated: "In the chemical sector, the production of high value-added, sustainable, environmentally friendly and competitive products, reducing our country's import dependency, protecting and improving the quality of the environment and natural resources, and implementing environmentally and climate-friendly practices in all areas are among the priority issues identified in the 11th Development Plan. The fuel additive and green solvent gamma-valerolactone, which is addressed on the basis of the project, represents one of these priority areas. By obtaining gamma-valerolactone with high yield in pure form and using it as a fuel additive, significant contributions will be made to emission control in the energy and transport sectors, which cause greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, with the use of gamma-valerolactone in the production of numerous valuable chemicals and application in different sectors, the production and export of high value-added products sensitive to human and environmental health in the chemical sector will be increased. Thus, a significant contribution to the environment will be made," he stated.