Renewable energy in Turkey

rdf:langString Renewable energy in Turkey

rdf:langString Renewable energy in Turkey is mostly hydroelectricity, geothermal energy and solar energy. Although sun and wind could supply plenty of energy in Turkey, hydropower is the only renewable energy which is fully exploited, averaging about a fifth of national electricity supply. However in drought years much less electricity is generated by hydro. Over half of capacity is renewables, and it is estimated that over half of generation could be from renewables by 2026, but Turkey has invested less in solar and wind power than similar Mediterranean countries. Turkey lacks a renewable energy plan beyond 2023 which includes transport, industry, heating and cooling as well as electricity generation. More renewable energy could be used to reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, and thus avoid paying other countries' carbon tariffs. Turkey is a net exporter of wind power equipment, but a net importer of solar power equipment. Total non-hydro renewables overtook hydro in 2021. Solar is expected to overtake wind before 2030. According to one study, by massively increasing solar power in the south and wind power in the west the country's entire energy demand could be met from renewable sources. Others say that nuclear power will keep the grid stable from fluctuations in variable renewable energy. And others that more geothermal baseload capacity should be added. Geothermal power in Turkey is used mainly for heating, and solar water heating is also widespread. A green tariff has been offered since 2021. According to a 2022 report from thinktank Ember, Turkey needs to expand renewables at least twice as fast, to decarbonize the electricity sector and lower import bills. A 2022 study by Shura says that renewables could generate 70% of electricity by 2030, with coal reduced to 5%. Shura simultation of typical spring 2030 generation shows that wind and nuclear could provide baseload, and solar much of daytime demand, reserving dammed hydro for evening flexibility. Many new 400kV transmission lines are planned to be built by 2030. Some academics say that governments have not allowed civil society enough say on energy policy, leading to protests against building hydropower plants, geothermal power, and at least one wind farm. Large companies include the state electricity generation company(mainly hydro), Aydem, and Kalyon.