İlker Balcılar, PhD

Senior-level Air Quality Consultant and Atmospheric Scientist with 15+ years of specialised experience in dispersion modelling, industrial emissions, regulatory compliance and air quality monitoring systems. Led high-impact modelling studies (AERMOD) for heavy industry, cement, refractory manufacturing and fuel-switching scenarios. Strong record of delivering regulatory-critical reports, quantitative impact assessments, and technical advisory services aligned with EU CAFE Directive and national legislation. Experienced in managing multidisciplinary projects, guiding clients through permitting processes, and mentoring junior analysts. Proficient in complex datasets, GIS, OpenAir, Python workflows, and source apportionment (PMF/PSCF) for strategic decision-making.

• Fuel Switching Dispersion Modelling – Senior Technical Lead (2024) RHI Magnesita Turkey – Refractory Manufacturing Facility, Led full-scope AERMOD modelling for transition from natural gas to fuel oil. Evaluated compliance for PM10, NO2, SO2; validated against Odunpazarı AQMS; quantified mass flow increases; and provided strategic mitigation guidance including hybrid dual-fuel operation recommendations.,
• Industrial Emission Impact Assessment – Senior Modeller (2024) Karacığan Toprak Sanayii ve Tic. A.Ş. – Brick & Tile Manufacturing, Directed modelling scenarios across multiple pollutants (PM10, NOx, SO2, CO). Delivered rapid-turnaround regulatory analysis aligned with the Ministry of Environment’s 2022/17 Circular. Produced decision-grade technical reporting to support fuel-switching approval processes.,
• Coal Blend Transition Assessment – Principal Air Quality Advisor (2024) Vezirhan Çimento – Clinker & Cement Production, Evaluated emissions behaviour under revised coal blend. Identified expected reductions in NO/NO2/CO, while quantifying particulate increases. Produced compliance and risk assessment framework and recommended monitoring campaigns.,
• EU IPA Project – National Expert on Monitoring Practices (2023–Present) Improving Ambient Air Quality Monitoring – EU CAFE Directive Alignment, Advising Turkish regulatory authorities on monitoring station classification, measurement methods, data quality, and harmonisation with EU standards. Contributing to guidance documents and national capacity-building efforts.

• Advanced Dispersion Modelling (AERMOD, transferable to ADMS)
• Industrial Emissions Permitting & Regulatory Compliance (EU CAFE, SKHKKY)
• Fuel Switching Impact Assessment (NG → Fuel Oil, Coal Blend Transitions)
• Air Quality Monitoring Systems, Data Validation, QA/QC
• Source Apportionment: PMF, PSCF, Back-Trajectory Analysis
• GIS & Spatial Analysis (QGIS/ArcGIS)
• Statistical Modelling, OpenAir, Python Data Pipelines
• Client-facing Technical Consultancy & Strategic Advisory
• Project Leadership, Budget Control, Technical Oversight
• High-stakes Reporting & Risk Framing for Industry Clients

Published extensively on PM composition, trace elements, long-range transport, source apportionment and atmospheric chemistry in journals including Science of the Total Environment and Atmospheric Environment.