TRB2 Region SME manufacturers' issues encountered during the transition to renewable energy applications and solution proposals

Energy is indispensable for our society in order to ensure our quality of life and support all other elements of our economy. Due to rapid population growth worldwide and the development of technology and industry, the demand for energy has increased. The uneven distribution of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas across the world, along with the damage they cause to the environment, has increased interest in renewable energy sources. Renewable energy technologies provide clean and abundant energy from self-renewing sources such as the sun, wind, water, and plants. Almost all regions of Turkey and the world have some type of renewable resources. Renewable sources account for approximately 43% of the energy produced in Turkey, most of which is obtained from hydroelectric and wind sources (ETKB, 2025). The TRB2 region is classified as a Level 2 region in the Statistical Region Unit Classification. It ranks last among the 26 regions in terms of development level (Yılmaz, 2021). Studies conducted at both the regional and provincial levels have shown that the TRB2 region has not fully realized its socioeconomic potential and lags behind the national average in terms of socioeconomic development. To produce value-added goods, increase exports to neighboring countries, and expand the domestic market, it is necessary to improve the quality and production of goods in sectors where the region is competitive (DAKA, 2023). The TRB2 provinces have a rich potential for solar energy among renewable energy sources. Among these provinces, Van Province, in particular, ranks first in Turkey in terms of global radiation values and sunshine duration (Yaman, 2019). The thesis study is divided into three sections; the first section examines energy sources and renewable energy in general. The second chapter defines manufacturing SMEs and presents data and statistics on manufacturing SMEs operating in the TRB2 region (which includes the provinces of Muş, Bitlis, Van, and Hakkâri according to the Statistical Region Unit Classification 2). The third section includes a survey aimed at raising awareness of renewable energy applications and determining the ability and need to transition to these applications. Within this scope, data on manufacturing SMEs operating in the TRB2 region—including their business structures, awareness of renewable energy, willingness to transition to renewable energy, and needs that will arise during the transition phase—were collected through a survey and analyzed.