Evaluation of Turkey’s renewable energy potential in terms of 2023 energy vision

Abstract

Turkey is a quite rich country in terms of renewable energy potential. Turkey has significant hydropower and wind energy potential with its coastal line of 7200 km and an average elevation of 1132 m. Turkey’s wind energy potential is primarily focused in Aegean, Marmara and Mediterranean regions from higher to lower, respectively.  Since Turkey’s geological structure has a volcanic origin the existence of more than 600 hot water sources whose temperature reaches almost 100°C makes the country very rich in terms of geothermal energy.

If Turkey uses only traditional energy sources, it simply will not have enough energy capacity for its population. Renewable energy sources have the potential to make a large contribution to Turkey’s sustainable and independent energy future. Turkey aims to utilize its energy potential, including from renewable sources in a cost-effective manner.  Turkey targets the share of renewable resources in electricity generation to be at least 30% by 2023. This paper included many aspects of renewable energy in Turkey as an emerging country. In addition, renewable energy policies were evaluated in terms of Turkey's 2023 energy vision.