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According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) report on Turkey for 2021:
Turkey’s energy policy has been assessed in the past 20 years, as population growth and economic growth have led to an increase in energy demand and dependence on imported resources.
In order to ensure the security of energy supplies in Turkey with the acceleration of oil and natural gas exploration, the discovery of natural gas in the Sakarya gas fields has emerged as an important benefit in this process.
In the event that the aforementioned field production begins in 2023, it will be possible to reduce 36 percent of Turkey’s dependence on importing natural gas, while 10 percent of the energy import bill will be calculated in the medium term.
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The share of renewable energy in electricity generation increased to 44% in 2019
Renewable energy capacity increased by 50 percent in the last five years in Turkey in 2019.
Turkey is the fifth renewable energy producer in Europe, and it ranks 15th in the world.
The share of renewables in electricity generation reached 44% in 2019.
The renewable energy auctions held have also succeeded in reducing costs and increasing renewable energy investments.
Nuclear energy to enhance the low-carbon energy portfolio
According to the report, the installed capacity of renewable energy is expected to grow by 49 percent until 2024, with an increase of 21,000 megawatts.
On the other hand, the potential of solar energy is estimated at 3 percent, and it uses 15 percent of the potential of wind energy in Turkey.
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Turkey’s first nuclear power plant to become operational in 2023
Turkey’s first nuclear power plant will be operational from 2023, as the country expects to boost its portfolio of low-carbon energy, electric vehicles, energy storage and digital technology.
All this led to the Turkish energy market in the past ten years being considered one of the successful steps that increased transparency and predictability of reforms supported by additional estimates that could increase investments in the electricity and natural gas sectors.
The increase in emissions must be watched closely
According to the report, for the energy sector to be sustainable and to create a competitive economy, Turkey needs to focus on reducing carbon emissions.
In this context, it is recommended to rethink the role of lignite power plants in a low-carbon future and set new goals.
Emissions from the energy sector have shown an increase of 43 percent over the past ten years in Turkey.
Whereas, the electricity and heating sector was among the most emitting sectors, followed by the transport and industry sectors.
Since 1997, coal has been Turkey’s largest source of emissions.
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