Since the age of 14, Levon Termendzhyan has been working in the gas and energy industries. He began his career by pumping gas at a local station in California and rapidly started buying and operating his own gas stations throughout the state. Today, Levon Termendzhyan serves as an equity owner in Viscon USA and Viscon International, distributors of a product that reduces particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel fuel.Particulate matter refers to liquid droplets and solid particles found in the air, like dirt, soot, and smoke. Large particles, which have a diameter up to 10 micrometers, are referred to as PM10 particulate matter. Meanwhile, smaller particles, those that are only 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller, are denoted as PM2.5.Although it may seem inconsequential, PM2.5 particles result in numerous health challenges. Since these particles are small, they are often inhaled deeply and enter the respiratory tract, lungs, and bloodstream. Inhalation of PM2.5 particles leads to numerous short-term health problems, including sneezing, irritation of the nose and eyes, and shortness of breath.Over time, these short-term issues can cause long-term problems. For example, lung tissue can become inflamed, resulting in several chemicals being released into the body, some of which affect how the heart functions. PM2.5 particles in the bloodstream also alter blood chemistry and increase the risk of clots and heart attacks.Preexisting conditions are exacerbated by particulate matter as well. Chronic lung diseases are aggravated by the presence of PM2.5 particles, as are asthma and heart disease. Beyond that, long-term exposure to such pollution decreases life expectancy and reduces lung function in children.
Clean air executive Levon Termendzhyan leads Viscon USA and Viscon International, Inc., as an equity owner. Under the leadership of Levon Termendzhyan, the Viscon product has been tested and adopted around the world, thanks to its ability to improve fuel efficiency and reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions.PM emissions consist of various liquid droplets and solids floating in the air. The particles may be comprised of dirt, dust, smoke, or soot and can be large enough to see. These large particles are inhalable and typically range from 2.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. They are referred to as PM10 or coarse dust particles. Meanwhile, smaller particles (PM2.5) can only be seen with an electron microscope. They are 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller.These particles come from a variety of sources, including wood stoves, power plants, and coal fires. Forest fires and wood stoves are examples of primary sources of particle pollution because they cause pollution on their own. Meanwhile, secondary sources release gases that may form into particles and include such things as power plants and industrial facilities. These sources typically produce PM2.5 emissions.Many people may ignore these particles, but they can negatively affect a population’s health. Larger particles are responsible for irritating the throat, eyes, and nose, while smaller particles can get into the lungs and bloodstream and cause damage from there. Older adults, children, and people with lung or heart disease are particularly susceptible to the effects of particle pollution.
An accomplished oil and gas executive in California, Levon Termendzhyan guides companies in the LNG, diesel fuel, and biofuels sectors while maintaining membership with organizations such as the San Francisco Global Trade Council. Also active in international markets, Levon Termendzhyan leads SBK Holdings, an umbrella company with subsidiaries in the construction, real estate, and energy sectors in Turkey.One of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Turkey has witnessed strong growth, and its energy demands have kept pace. In recent years, the country’s energy needs have grown exponentially, and Turkey has been forced to import most of its oil and natural gas. As such, the government has been seeking ways to become more energy independent.In May 2018, Turkey took a step toward that goal when a Turkish energy company, LNG Gaz Uretim Depolama ve Satis AS, received formal permission to construct the first on-shore LNG storage and production facilities in the country’s northern and midwestern regions. The two facilities, planned for the cities of Afyonkarahisar and Corum, will provide critical security and flexibility to the country’s energy industry.According to company representatives, the project will cost roughly $35 million and should be completed within 18 months.
A California-based oil and gas entrepreneur and investor, Levon Termendzhyan serves as an equity holder with Viscon International and regularly seeks out business opportunities in foreign markets. In 2013, Levon Termendzhyan formed the Turkish-based SBK Holdings and has since invested more than $500 million in the eight energy companies under its umbrella.Around the world, investments in renewable energy have surpassed investments in traditional energy sources over the past few years. This is particularly true in Turkey, where in 2017 renewables accounted for almost half of the country's power generation. Overall, $5.6 billion was invested in renewable resources in 2017, which was responsible for 65 percent of the 100 megawatts (MW) of power generation capacity added to the power grid.According to Oguz Can, Turkey's energy and natural resources ministry general director of renewable energy, the country allocated 3,000 MW in wind power in 2017 and led all of Europe in renewable energy capacity creation. Moreover, Turkey ranks among the top 10 European countries in solar and wind power capacity.
