Energy from renewable sources inTurkey: Status and future direction

Abstract

Turkey is an energy importing country. Turkey's indigenous energy sources are limited and the country is heavily dependent on the import of primary energy from abroad. More than half of the energy requirement has been supplied by imports. Non-fossil energy sources have a high share of energy supply in Turkey. The renewable energy resources that hold the most promise are the following: wind, solar in its various forms, biomass, geothermal, and small hydro, of which Turkey has abundant reserves. Hydroelectric power already accounts for about 40% of electricity demand, and there is much additional potential for growth. As of November 2000, there were 120 hydroelectric power plants in operation, with 34 more under construction. Turkey is encouraging the construction of wind power plants and the country has a goal of deriving 2% of its electricity from wind power. Turkey has extended its involvement in geothermal energy projects and solar energy could also provide significant amount of power for Turkey.