Energy policy of Turkey

The energy policy of Turkey refers to the national policy of Turkey regarding its energy resources and consumption

Turkey will likely see the fastest medium to long-term growth in energy demand among the International Energy Agency member countries.[1] The primary aim of the government is to realize its own energy security [2] by diversifying supply, and increasing energy efficiency. In particular the government aims at meeting the forecasted rapid increase in demand for electricity by renewable electricity generation (for example by guaranteeing the price of solar electricity) and by building nuclear [3] and more coal-fired power plants.

Sources

Coal

"With all of its domestic coal reserves tapped, Turkey plans to reach a total installed capacity of 120,000 MWs in 2023." [4]

However "this focus on coal is a huge burden for the sustainability of Turkey’s energy systems." [5]

Environmentalists claim "the environmental impacts of coal power plants are inadequately assessed, while Turkey's viable, clean alternatives to coal are neither being analysed or discussed seriously by senior policy- and decision-makers." [6]

There have been protests against coal power plants. [7] [8]

Even in cities where natural gas is available the government supports poor households with free coal.

Free coal is distributed to the poor by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy.

Nuclear

"Current shortcomings in Turkey's regulatory setup and human resources have to be addressed for ensuring a safe and secure transition to nuclear energy."[9]

Laws

There is an Energy Efficiency Law.

Climate change

Turkey's greenhouse gas inventory is incomplete. [10] The energy policy aim of reducing imports (e.g. of gas) conflicts with the climate change policy aim of reducing emission of greenhouse gases as some local resources (e.g. lignite) emit a lot of CO2. In particular considering an emissions trading scheme "any carbon pricing instrument shall be structured in a way that shall not be considered as a barrier for utilization of domestic fossil fuel based sources for electricity generation until decreasing the share of export fuel to a reasonable level, to be determined by policy makers." [11]

See also

References

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