The Hidroana team, composed of students from Eskişehir Technical University and supported by Akfen Renewable Energy, finished 9th in Europe in the Prototype Hydrogen category at the Shell Eco-marathon Europe 2025, which they participated in with the sponsorship of Akfen Renewable Energy.

Continuing its support for young talents developing sustainable transportation technologies, Akfen Renewable Energy contributes to the advancement of Türkiye’s leading alternative-energy vehicle teams by sponsoring Hidroana, a hydrogen-powered vehicle project founded in 2007 at Eskişehir Technical University and active for 18 years.

Focusing on hydrogen technologies and prioritizing hydrogen energy in its recent initiatives, Akfen Renewable Energy supports the development of sustainable transportation through both its EU-funded HYDROMOD Project and its sponsorship of the Hidroana team.

Akfen Renewable Energy continues to invest in the future by supporting alternative-energy vehicle projects. The Hidroana team—composed of undergraduate students from the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Engineering at Eskişehir Technical University who develop hydrogen-powered vehicles—finished 9th in Europe at the Shell Eco-marathon, competing with the sponsorship of Akfen Renewable Energy.

Held for the 40th time this year at the Kamień Śląski circuit in Poland, the Shell Eco-marathon Europe is one of Europe’s most prestigious competitions for alternative-energy vehicles, bringing together teams from across the continent. The competition featured two vehicle classes—Urban and Prototype—and three categories under each: hydrogen, battery electric, and internal combustion. Competing in the Prototype Hydrogen category, the Hidroana team secured 9th place in Europe and achieved the distinction of being the only Turkish team to place in the rankings in this category. With a total of three teams from Türkiye participating, this result became a significant source of pride for both the university and the country.

Comprised entirely of volunteer engineering students, the Hidroana team brings together students from Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, creating a truly interdisciplinary working environment. To date, the team has successfully represented Türkiye in national and international competitions with the hydrogen-powered vehicles it has developed.

Commenting on the achievement, Mustafa Kemal Güngör, General Manager of Akfen Renewable Energy, said:
“Hydrogen energy is a clean energy source that will play a key role in the transportation technologies of the future. Supporting pioneering and visionary teams like Hidroana not only contributes to the development of young engineering talents but also accelerates Türkiye’s energy transition process. This success is one of the most tangible indicators of our young people’s potential and our country’s engineering strength.”

AKFEN RENEWABLE ENERGY’S VISION OF LEADERSHIP IN HYDROGEN

Akfen Renewable Energy prioritizes hydrogen technologies not only through the projects it supports but also through its own innovative R&D efforts. The Mobile Hydrogen Refueling Station (HYDROMOD) Project, coordinated by the company and supported by the European Union, aims to develop modular refueling stations for the safe, flexible, and widespread use of hydrogen. Implemented through the collaboration of expert organizations from Türkiye and South Korea, the project directly contributes to the expansion of clean mobility infrastructure and climate neutrality goals, positioning Akfen Renewable Energy as a leading player in the hydrogen ecosystem.

Akfen Renewable Energy will continue to support the development of innovative and environmentally friendly technologies in the coming period. With this achievement, the Hidroana team continues to inspire future transportation solutions as a pioneer of hydrogen-powered vehicle projects in Türkiye.

About Akfen Renewable Energy

Founded in 2007 under Akfen Holding, Akfen Renewable Energy Inc. established Türkiye’s first renewable energy platform investing exclusively in domestic and renewable resources. In 2016, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) became shareholders of the company. Following a share transfer completed on January 18, 2023, Akfen Holding became the sole owner of the company’s shares.

Akfen Renewable Energy operates a balanced, fully renewable energy generation portfolio of approximately 783 MW, consisting of hydroelectric, wind, and solar power plants located across 18 provinces in Türkiye, each positioned in regions with the most suitable natural resources for their respective technologies. Following its initial public offering in March 2023, 33.5% of the company’s shares began trading on Borsa Istanbul under the ticker AKFYE as of March 16, 2023.