Turkiye's smart streetlight system merges clean energy, free charging, Wi-Fi, and safety features—signaling a bold step in urban innovation and sustainability.
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| Ankara tests futuristic smart streetlights combining free EV charging, Wi-Fi, solar power, and environmental sensors to modernize urban life. Image Courtesy: AA/ DS |
Ankara, Turkiye — August 7, 2025:
Turkiye has entered a new era of urban technology with the launch of a multi-functional “Smart Street Lighting” system that aims to transform how public infrastructure serves citizens. Developed by Turkiye Electromechanical Industry Inc. (TEMSAN), under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the smart poles combine free electric charging stations, public Wi-Fi, solar energy generation, environmental monitoring, and real-time urban communication—all in a single unit.
The system, currently in prototype phase, is being tested in Ankara. According to the ministry’s statement on Tuesday, the design reflects Turkiye’s push to integrate renewable energy, digital services, and public safety into the urban landscape.
Unlike traditional streetlights, these smart units are equipped with high-efficiency LED lighting, charging ports for electric vehicles and powered wheelchairs, USB ports for mobile devices, and free wireless internet access. They also feature embedded security cameras and digital display screens that share news updates, weather forecasts, and traffic alerts—effectively turning a light pole into a community information hub.
Notably, each pole also functions as an environmental sentinel. Built-in sensors measure air quality, noise levels, temperature, humidity, and solar radiation. The system can issue real-time alerts during natural disasters or emergencies through both audio and visual signals, enhancing community resilience.
From an energy perspective, the poles are connected to the grid but are partially self-sustaining thanks to solar panels and photo sensors, minimizing their impact on the national energy supply while promoting clean power.
TEMSAN Chief Engineer İpek Acay emphasized the project’s aim to democratize energy access and support urban mobility. “With the smart pole, we want to make energy more accessible to our citizens,” she said, highlighting the free charging features and integrated urban services.
Engineer Tuğba Aydın Kart elaborated on the technological depth of the system. “Our pole includes a full weather station, measuring wind direction and speed, as well as indicators of environmental health like air and noise pollution,” she said. “We’re addressing both pedestrian and vehicular needs—charging wheelchairs, powering vehicles, and offering lighting, all in one.”
The smart streetlight initiative also addresses Turkiye’s larger goals of building smart cities, reducing energy waste, and enhancing public safety. With free Wi-Fi, sustainable energy use, and smart monitoring, it symbolizes the convergence of civic tech and environmental stewardship.
Analysts view this pilot as part of Turkiye’s growing investment in digital infrastructure, positioning the country as a regional leader in tech-driven urban development. Once testing is complete and the system enters mass production, the streetlights are expected to be rolled out across major cities—potentially reshaping the public experience in streets and public squares.
As cities worldwide grapple with energy demands, climate change, and urban mobility, Turkiye’s smart streetlight project stands as a model of how infrastructure can evolve beyond illumination to serve as a platform for public service, safety, and sustainability.