Sustainable energy policies in Mediterranean region: A case of Turkey

Abstract

With the half billion people living in the Mediterranean Basin, the Mediterranean region accounts for 10.2% of the world electricity consumption and 8.2% of the primary energy consumption. Turkey is an energy importing country with more than half of the energy requirement being supplied by imports (70% of the total). In this context, renewable energy sources is very important for Turkey and geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of most of the sources. Turkey's Technical and conomical installed capacity potential in wind is 12.000 MW and estimated wind energy potential is 400 GWh/yr. Turkey's hydro energy potential is 45.000 MW and under project phase is 22.700 MW. Turkey's geothermal energy potential is 2.000 MWe and 31.500 MWt. In this regard, renewables appear the most effective solutions for sustainable energy development in Turkey. This paper discusses the energy policies in Mediterranean region, especially in Turkey.