Ali Y. Koç: 'The Energy Transition Has Become the Cornerstone of Competitiveness in Industry'

At COP31's Highly Sensational Panel, the Impact of Climate Policies on Global Competition Was Discussed

As part of COP31 for which Koç Holding is a Global Business Partner, the panel discussion 'From Commitments to Action: The Role of Business and Policy in the Global Climate Agenda' was held. The event which began with an opening address by COP31 President Murat Kurum featured former US Vice-President Al Gore as keynote speaker.

Speaking at the panel moderated by IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, Koç Holding Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors Ali Y. Koç said, "Energy has moved beyond being merely a cost factor in industry to becoming a decisive factor in global competition." Noting that governments are establishing domestic industrial infrastructures centred on energy independence and resilience, Koç affirmed that the essence of the energy transition lies in the widespread adoption of electrification and domestic clean energy investments.

ANTALYA, Türkiye, Nov. 11, 2026 — As part of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) for which Koç Holding is as a Global Business Partner, the panel discussion 'From Commitments to Action: The Role of Business and Policy in the Global Climate Agenda' was held on 10 November. The event began with an opening address by Murat Kurum, Turkish Minister for the Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change and President of COP31, and featured former US Vice-President Al Gore as keynote speaker. Following the speeches, a panel discussion took place, moderated by Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), whilst Ali Y. Koç, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Koç Holding; Lei Zhang, Founder and CEO of Envision Energy; Oliver Bäte, CEO of Allianz; Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); and Greg Jackson, Founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, took part as panellists.