Renewable Energy's Current Position in Turkey

Since energy is an important input for the economic growth of countries and the development of industry, it has become an ever-gradually increasing concept. Countries have started to look for the alternative energy sources and to use it in order to ensure the energy security of supply and to decrease their foreign dependence. Turkish economy is an energy intensive economy. Turkey has been in search of sophisticated energy policy to vary the sources on providing energy security. Turkey is located in a relatively advantageous geographical position, so there is an encouraging atmosphere for the environmental technologies and renewable energy in Turkey. Energy policy, energy efficiency and enviromental sustainability play a critical role in Turkey?s energy agenda. The final objective of the energy policies of Turkey is to use the energy and natural sources efficiently and environment conscious, and to provide the highest contribution for the welfare of the country. Increasing the share of renewable energy sources at producing energy is one of the foremost targets at the energy policy of Turkey. For this reason, renewable energy sources are supported and promoted by government regulation, especially at the begining of operation. Current energy policy of Turkey is to increase the renewable energy share and to maximize benefit from existing potential until 2023.