Murat Kalsın, President of the Energy Efficiency Association, indicates that lubricants are key elements that contribute to energy efficiency. He underlines that an investment in hydraulic oils produced for energy efficiency in a machine or engine is undoubtedly the correct commercial investment.
We would like to get to know Murat Kalsın, President of the Energy Efficiency Association, one of Turkey’s most important non-governmental organizations. Can you please tell us about yourself and the secret of your successful works?
I was born in 1966 in Mus. I graduated from Yıldız Technical University, Department of Architecture. I continued my education in the US. I studied Business Administration and English at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. Since 1983, I have worked in various sectors, in the fields of trade and industry in the US, Europe and Turkey. Today, I have company partnerships and investments in construction, real estate, architecture and energy sectors. I continue my career as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, GMK Group Project Investment Inc.
In March 2018, I was elected as the President of the Energy Efficiency Association. At the same time, I hold office as the Vice Chairman of DEIK (Foreign Economic Relations Board) Turkey – Qatar Business Council, and a Member of the Board of Directors of GYODER (Association of Real Estate and Real Estate Investment Companies). In addition, I am a Council Member at ICOC (Istanbul Chamber Energy efficiency and lubricants of Commerce), a Member of the Yıldız Technical University Alumni Association, Founding Member of MUSVAK (Mus Education and Development Foundation), and a Member of the Congress of BJK (Besiktas Gymnastics Club).
I tried to do my best in the tasks I have assumed in my business life and in Non-Governmental Organizations. I always attached importance to team work. With humility and sincerity, I made efforts to succeed without regard to the nature of the task.
Energy is one of the most important cost items in the industry. Thus, energy efficiency studies are of particular importance for the industry. Can you please tell us what the Energy Efficiency Association does in this regard?
Energy consumption is one of the challenging costs for our industrialists. Energy efficiency means the reduction of energy consumption per unit or per product without leading to a decrease in production quality and quantity in the manufacturing industry. Approximately 35 percent of the energy consumed in our country is used in industry. We all know that our country is not rich in energy sources and we are all aware of the impact of the amount we pay for energy imports on the current account deficit. We live in a region where politically the balances are fragile and volatile. Our country’s energy demand, which is increasing in parallel with its economic growth and accordingly its energy consumption, is met mainly from external resources rather than domestic resources. This keeps the energy supply security issue constantly on the agenda. The importance of energy efficiency policies has increased in order to reach our sustainable development goals.
In order to reduce the dependency on foreign energy sources and decrease the current account deficit, we should increase the ratio of local sources in production, promote the diversity of resources by focusing on renewable energy sources, and ensure efficiency in energy consumption stages.
It is possible to save up to 40 percent in the manufacturing industry. Referring to this issue in our Efficient Industry project, we have gathered efficiency studies in 16 titles so as to include all sectors. Some of these titles are related to the efficiency studies in furnace, boiler, pump, steam, motor, heating and air conditioning systems. We have prepared detailed reports about how to work in these areas. We conducted training activities in our industrial zones by carrying out joint studies with the Supreme Board of Organized Industrial Zones (OSBÜK). We continue these activities. We have supported these trainings with educational films and public service ads. As a result of our consultations with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Economy, we have ensured that the necessary legal arrangements are made for the companies that will invest in energy efficiency to benefit from the incentives for Region 5 regardless of their region.
In industry, lubricants can make a significant contribution to energy efficiency. Especially in hydraulic systems, it is possible to save up to 10 percent energy by using the right oil. What can you say about it?
We care about every element that contributes to energy efficiency. Lubricants have an important place in this respect. The benefits of lubricants used at the energy consumption stage are significant for the energy production stage. Turbine oils are used in steam and gas turbines of natural gas conversion and thermal power plants; gear oils are used in gearboxes of cooling towers; hydraulic oils are used in boiler feed water pumps and condensate recirculation pumps. In addition, air compressors, fans and electric motors are among other equipment that must be lubricated with the right product. The ideal oil type and method of use also affect the protection of machinery and equipment systems as well as maintenance and parts replacement costs. Energy losses occur due to churning when mechanical parts move in the oil. It is observed that the oils with lower traction coefficients have better behavior under high pressure. This also increases productivity.
These benefits of lubricants are either not adequately known or are ignored considering that they would not be cost-effective. However, the right oil provides a significant cost advantage in the short and medium term and extends the maintenance intervals. This is a huge gain for industrial enterprises. Can we collaborate with industry representatives under the umbrella of ENVER to disseminate the right information and raise awareness in this regard?
There is a wide variety of oils offered in the industry and transportation sectors. The investment in a hydraulic oil produced for energy efficiency in the machinery or engine is undoubtedly the correct commercial investment. The correct viscosity ratio and proper concentration of the oil used for the most efficient transfer of power in hydraulic systems is highly important in ensuring efficiency. When the viscosity ratio is too low, the risk of abrasion in parts increases. When it is too high, more energy is consumed for the movement of parts. The use of an oil produced with the correct additive formulation in your machine affects the oxidation process and provides protection against excessive wear. In this way, you extend the periodic maintenance interval and service life of your machine. You also get a nominal benefit by reducing your energy consumption. We continue to work to raise the awareness of our industrialists. Reducing energy costs also means increasing competitiveness. More production with less energy means more employment. We are ready to cooperate with all segments on this issue which is of vital importance for our country.
