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Turkey’s rapid economic growth followed by increasing gap between domestic energy production and consumption signifies the large-scale integration of low-carbon and renewable resources into energy system. Turkey’s energy demand is increasing and supplying fossil energies such as oil and gas is becoming more challenging due to the lack of domestic hydrocarbon resources. The country is facing two main issues; first, maintaining energy balance and second, handling environmental issues. Nevertheless, Turkey has substantial renewable and low-carbon energy resources with co-benefits for the country’s fast growing economy and environmental sustainability. This paper aims to present a comprehensive update on Turkey’s renewable and low-carbon energy sector. It reviews not only the current status of the technology, policy and economy, but also provides an insight into the social aspects as well. From a policy point of view, the paper critically discusses Turkey’s energy strategy and perspectives and from the social point of view, the paper argues that there is a research gap in recent literature regarding public awareness and social acceptance of low-carbon energy technologies. Also, the future challenges for promoting low-carbon society in Turkey are discussed in terms of sustainable development and socio-environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Turkey as in Europe, the share of natural gas (NG) in the generation of electricity has shown a dramatic increase since the 1990s. Although Turkey faced two economic crises in the last decade, its total electricity generation has increased by 60%. NG consumption was 0.43 bcm in 1987 and reached 40 bcm by 2014. A big fraction of total electricity generation (TEG) is produced from NG. While the NG-based electricity generation was 0.2% in 1985, its share increased rapidly and it has reached to 48% of the TEG in 2014 and share of NG in total thermal power is about 60%. The goal of this paper is to review the historical development of the electricity and NG sectors, and to forecast and review the process of electricity generation with NG. Additionally, this paper compare the use of NG in electricity generation in Turkey and World, and analyze the supply–demand projections and future prospects in the field of energy. Results obtained from the present study show that a diversity of energy resources has not been achieved and as it is today in meeting the increasing energy demand, NG will continue to be a priority in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis using 40 year spanned time series for the Turkey case. CO 2 emission series representing environmental pressure and GDP per capita values representing economic development are used for the period 1968–2007. A cointegration has been determined among nonstationary series. First phases of an inverted U form EKC relationship have been determined for Turkey from the econometric estimations. This result is conflicting with that of the similar models for Turkey case. On the other hand, this conflict refers the important arguments in the literature and constitutes the main points of the paper. Sensitivity critiques (for example, Ahking et al.) for cointegration tests (Johansen and Engle–Granger tests) have been supported in our study. Moreover, we detected important diversion in results according to drift and trend assumptions both in CI vector and EKC model specifications. We conclude that building EKC model according to cointegration (CI) equation restrictions can be important source for diversion when sensitivity exists in estimations and cointegration tests; therefore, EKC estimations should be held in non-restrictive way. The additional structural reasons have been also discussed for developing country EKC cases. The most important one is that the narrow income sample of developing countries makes it possible to be defined by similar but different paths; therefore, policy implications to be drawn from those analyses should not ignore this feature of developing country analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A smart grid is a system that uses information and communication technologies to integrate, in an intelligent way, all users connected to the electrical power system considering their behaviour and actions. For this purpose, information about the electrical network, such as the current, the voltage or the power, is gathered together over time so that the behaviour of suppliers and consumers can be observed and automatically coordinated. Smart grids are becoming a significant part in the configuration of future electrical power systems. A lot of research has been done on using smart grids to achieve highly efficient and user-friendly electrical power systems. Many new methods have been introduced to solve the difficulties energy providers face when transforming conventional electrical networks into smart grids. These difficulties include the integration of renewable energy and different grid systems at national and international levels due to changes in frequency, voltage and in the synchronisation mechanism. This paper provides an outline of the European smart grid projects and gives an overview of the current infrastructure and smart grid applications of the Turkish Electricity Production System Operator (EUAS), Turkish Electricity Transmission System Operator (TEIAS), and Turkish Electricity Distribution System Operator (TEDAS). In this paper the feasibility of the further steps required is described and some assessments are made and suggestions given on smart grid developments in general. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Over the last two decades; technical, economic and environmental benefits of hydroelectric power make it an important contributor to the future world energy mix, particularly in the developing countries. Turkey has a total gross hydropower potential of 433GWh/yr, but only 125GWh/yr of the total hydroelectric potential of Turkey can be economically used. By the commissioning of new hydropower plants, which are under construction, 36% of the economically usable potential of the country would be tapped. Turkey''s total economically usable small hydropower potential is 3.75GWh/yr. It is expected that the demand for electric energy in Turkey will be about 580 billion kWh by the year 2020. Turkey is heavily dependent on expensive imported energy sources that place a big burden on the economy and air pollution is becoming a great environmental concern in the country. In this regard, renewable energy resources appear to be the one of the most efficient and effective solutions for clean and sustainable energy development in Turkey. Environmentally friendly energy development has enormous implications for developing countries as major emitters due to their rapid economic and population growth. With some possible options, the paper concludes that the reduction of emissions can only be achieved when policies are supportive and well targeted, standards and incentives are realistic and flexible, and the public is actively responsive to environmental degradation. Turkey''s high rate of energy-related carbon emissions growth is expected to accelerate, with emissions climbing from 57 million tons in 2000 to almost 210 million tons in 2020. Carbon intensity in Turkey is higher than the western developed nation average. In this regard, renewable energy resources appear to be one of the most efficient and effective solutions for clean and sustainable energy development in Turkey. This paper deals with Turkey''s renewables energy sources for sustainable environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Electricity constitutes the input into many products that produced by industry and used by people. Hence, it can be considered as a product or service that has vital importance in human life and economy. Since it has such special properties of instantaneous production and consumption obligation and unfeasible storage, electricity market is not like other markets. In a competitive electricity market, generation company faces price risks and delivery risks. So that risk management is an important part of a generation company and can deeply effect companies’ profitability. This paper focuses on electricity generation asset allocation between bilateral contracts, such as forward contracts, and daily spot market, considering constraints of generating units and spot price risks. The problem is to find the optimal portfolio based on known electricity generation total costs, bilateral contract prices, it employed Turkish historical balanced market hourly system marginal and day-ahead hourly market prices between of 2006 and 2011. There are limited studies about portfolio optimization in electricity markets in literature and this paper should be considered frontier study taking spot market''s hourly prices separately as risky assets. Markowitz mean-variance optimization which is claimed to be the beginning of modern portfolio theory in financial sector is used to demonstrate this approach. Mean-variance optimization has been successfully applied to all cases that modeled for electricity market. Some suggestions for future work are also listed in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During the last three decades, a number of studies have been conducted by various investigators in the design, modeling and testing of earth to air heat exchanger (EAHE) systems. This paper reviews the studies conducted on the experimental and analytical analysis of EAHE systems in Turkey and around the world as of the end February 2011. The studies undertaken on the EAHE systems are categorized into two groups as follows: (i) open loop for space heating/cooling and (ii) closed loop for space heating/cooling systems. This paper investigates the studies on EAHEs, also known underground air tunnel systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects on global and environmental air quality of pollutants released into the atmosphere from fossil fuels in power plants provide strong arguments for the development of renewable energy resources. Clean, domestic and renewable energy is commonly accepted as the key for future life, not only for Turkey but also for the world. In this regard, the objective of this paper is to present a review of the energy situation, technical and economical potential and utilization of renewables, including hydraulic energy, biomass energy, solar energy, wind energy and geothermal energy, in Turkey and then concerned with greenhouse gas emissions status, especially in air pollution, and environmental impacts of renewable energy sources. The renewable energy potential of the country, their present utilization, and greenhouse gas emissions status are evaluated based on the available data. The present paper shows that there is an important potential for renewables in Turkey and making use of renewable energy and energy efficiency resources to provide energy services to the electricity consumers can provide significant environmental benefits for Turkey. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: During the last decade, a number of studies have been conducted by various investigators in the design, modeling and testing of solar assisted heat pump systems (SAHPSs). This paper reviews the studies conducted on the energy and exergy analysis of SAHPS systems in Turkey and around the world as of the end of December 2004. The studies undertaken on the SAHPS systems are categorized into four groups as follows: (i) SAHPSs for water heating, (ii) SAHPSs with storage (conventional type) for space heating, (iii) SAHPSs with direct expansion for space heating, and (iv) Solar-assisted ground source heat pump greenhouse heating system (SAGSHPGHS). This paper investigates the studies on SAGSHPs, especially ground-source heat pumps, also known geothermal heat pumps, at the Turkish universities in more detail, by giving Turkey''s solar energy potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, CO 2 emissions of Turkish economy are decomposed for 1990–2013 period for five sectors; agriculture, forestry and fishery, manufacturing industries and construction, public electricity and heat production, transport and residential. Additionally, manufacturing and construction sector's CO 2 emissions are decomposed for iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, chemicals, pulp, paper and print, food processing, beverages and tobacco, non-metallic minerals, petroleum refining and other industry for the 2003–2012 period. Both analyses are conducted for five fuel types; liquid, solid, gaseous fuels, biomass and other fuels. In decomposition analysis Log Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) method is used. The results of the analysis point out that energy intensity is one of the determining factors behind the change in CO 2 emissions, aside from economic activity. The fuel mix component especially for the manufacturing industries and construction sector lowers CO 2 emissions during the crisis periods when the economic activity declines. Among GDP sectors, manufacturing industries and construction and public electricity and heat production are the two sectors that dominate the change in CO 2 emissions. Additionally, residential and transport sectors’ contributions have gained importance during recent years. Among the manufacturing industries and construction, the non-metallic minerals sector has the highest contribution to CO 2 emissions followed by the chemicals sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to supply electricity energy via a hybrid PV(photovoltaic)-Diesel-Battery for a summer house which is located remotely from the grid connection in Kilis province of southern Turkey (Latitude: 36° 43', Longitude: 37° 07', Altitude: 664 m). Summer houses are widespread in this area, and it is impossible for these buildings to benefit from grid connection. Optimal sizing of hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery systems prove to be very economical as an energy source for these houses. The optimization demonstrated that the lowest investment cost was 12,400 Turkish liras, and renewable energy part of the proposed system was calculated as 79%. In this respect, the system was optimally sized with a PV of 3 kW, a diesel generator of 1 kW, a converter of 2 kW and 6 units of battery. PV panels and diesel generator generate 4248 and 773 kW h/year, respectively, which amounts to 5021 kW h/year. This is a Hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery system. It consists of renewable (PV System) and non-renewable (Diesel Generator) energy sources. Therefore, this paper focuses on optimal sizing of the proposed system. Total annual energy demand is 2353.8 kW h/year, and the remaining amount is stored in the batteries. Total renewable production divided by load, total renewable production divided by generation, and renewable energy part of the proposed system are 116.38%, 84.6%, and %79, respectively. In addition to its cost effective energy supply, the system is also environment-friendly. Hybrid PV-Diesel-Battery system prevented 44.024 tCO 2 , 123.39 kg of CO, 13.471 kg of UHCs, 9.16 kg of PM, 90.52 kg of SO2 and 1100.33 kg of NOx. This study can also be adapted for other cities and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined bioheat and biopower (CBHBP) is named to emphasize that a biomass source is used as the feedstock for the production of combined heat and power (CHP). Turkey is a country with rich biomass potential; however, traditional utilization is predominant. The purpose of this paper is to describe the entire value chain of biomass-to-biopower by focusing on the current commercial technologies in the world and to provide an alternative solution for modern utilization of solid biomass sources in Turkey, while being a reference for other countries interested in biopower. The first aim is to explore the major conversion technologies for CBHBP production considering the entire value chain of biomass-to-biopower, with a focus on the most established path applied to solid biomass sources worldwide. The next aim is to examine the status of biomass energy in Turkey, concentrating on current biopower applications. This review shows that combustion coupled with steam turbine technology is the primary approach to produce biopower and/or bioheat from solid biomass sources worldwide. In different countries, CBHBP production through distributed generation (DG) is seen as a viable way of taking advantage of local biomass sources. In Turkey, biopower production through thermochemical conversion technologies that require solid biomass sources is still at an early stage. A challenging increase in biopower development is needed. In conclusion, modern utilization of solid biomass sources through distributed CBHBP production based on combustion and steam turbine technology, in line with worldwide biopower developments, is a solution to utilize the existing potential efficiently that can be implemented in the short term. Distributed CBHBP should be implemented as soon as possible and become widespread in the country, especially in rural areas near forest villages and in agricultural regions where solid biomass sources are locally available and where there is a constant heat/cold and power demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper quests for the intrinsic complementarities among environmental pollution abatement, induced technological innovation to combat human-induced climate change, targeted expansions for green employment, and enhanced welfare through gains in private income. Utilizing data from the Turkish economy, we implement an applied general equilibrium model to study the synergies between environmental abatement instruments and policies towards sustaining green jobs. Our results are indicative that by a proper mix of environmental taxation and technological and institutional innovations, Turkey can serve as an example for a host of developing countries in setting the stage for a pro-employment and eco-friendly, sustained growth path. We further show that for the successful implementation of a carbon emissions mitigation strategy, elimination of the burden of existing labor taxes and factor market distortions are crucial. Our analysis suggests that complemented with a strategy of substitution of environmental taxes against the existing distortionary labor taxes, costs abatement on domestic income and employment could be negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Electricity markets have undergone regulatory reforms since the early 1980s around the world. Technical analyses of these reforms usually pay lip service to the influence of politics over regulatory processes. Existing studies examine certain aspects of the market such as demand, pricing, and efficiency, and they touch upon political issues only passingly when economic models cannot provide sufficient explanation. This approach problematically takes politics as an ad hoc variable. This study shows that electricity is intrinsically a ‘political good’ and argues that any meaningful reform effort should take institutions as the starting point rather than a residual. The argument that politics has to be an endogenous variable in any model aspiring to explain behavior in electricity markets is demonstrated in the paper. The evidence for the political good character of electricity is found by examining the Turkish regulatory reform, for which it is argued that there is not a satisfactory relationship between expected and realized gains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Turkey is a rich country from the point of variety and potential of renewable energy resources. Hydros, winds, biomass, solar and geothermal are important renewable and environmentally friendly sources for energy in Turkey. Turkey produces large amount of hydropower with a total gross hydropower potential of 433TWh/yr, which is equal to 13.8% of the total hydropower potential of Europe. Technically useable potential is 216TWh/yr and economic potential is 140TWh/yr. The main aim of the present study is to investigate hydropower potential of Turkey and small hydropower plants in Eastern Black Sea Region for sustainable energy development in Turkey. The geography of Turkey especially, Eastern Black Sea Region supports and suitable the development of the small hydro plants to increase the energy generation and utilization of available water sources in Turkey. Besides, the paper deals with hydropower policies to meet ever increasing energy demand for sustainable development of Turkey. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper deals with finding the optimum tilt angle of solar panels for solar energy applications. The optimization of tilt angles was performed using solar radiation data measured for eight big provinces in Turkey. The optimum angle for tilted surfaces varying from 0° to 90° in steps of 1° was calculated by searching for the values of which the daily total solar radiation was at a maximum for a specific period. It was found that the optimum tilt angle changed between 0° and 65° throughout the year in Turkey. It was seen that the optimum tilt angle reached a minimum of 0° in June and July and, the monthly average daily total radiation at this angle was generally at a maximum. In addition, the optimum tilt angle increased during the winter months and reached a maximum in December in all provinces. Likewise, general correlations were developed to estimate the optimum tilt angle of solar collectors used in Turkey and their accuracies were compared on the basis of statistical error tests of Mean Bias Error (MBE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), t-statistic (t-stat) and correlation coefficient (r). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Market reform, energy security and environmental protection are three primary energy policy goals of Turkish government. Although Turkey''s abundant solar energy resources can directly address the government''s energy policy goals, Turkey has not utilized solar power yet. Utilization of country''s huge solar energy potential would decrease dependence on imported fossil fuels and contribute to fulfill environmental commitments. However, lack of regulatory and financial support for the development of solar power has considerably delayed the utilization of country''s huge solar potential. The government has taken only modest steps to promote investment in solar power until the end of 2010 when a new feed-in tariff policy was adapted. Turkey''s solar energy potential, PV technology status and prospect for concentrating solar power in Turkey have been explored in a number of studies; yet literature dealing with recent policy developments, associated investment environment and opportunities for solar power investors are limited. The aim of this paper is to set out the latest legal framework for investment in Turkey''s emerging solar power market and to provide some guidelines to potential investors who appreciated country''s huge solar energy potential. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to assess the environmental performance of Turkish provinces by using a non-parametric method, Data Envelopment Analysis. The results of ranking are based on the provinces’ ability to produce the largest equi-proportional increase in the desirable output-gross domestic product and decrease in the undesirable output namely, air pollutants. The results indicate that 7.41% of the sample provinces are relatively efficient. The results also show that, regions with the highest level gross domestic product per capita have the highest efficiency scores. New industrial districts have lower efficiencies in spite of relatively higher income per capita. In the second stage of the study the possible relationship between environmental efficiency scores and input, output variables are investigated by a regression analysis. According to the results, there is a positive relationship between gross domestic product and efficiency scores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Promotion of renewable energy sources is a widely adopted policy since they are accepted to positively contribute to ensure the security of energy supply, mitigate CO2 emissions and meet the increasing energy demand. In parallel with that global thought, wind energy has been a hot topic in Turkish energy agenda although the share of wind energy in total energy resources of the country is still low. In this framework, the policies and applications regarding wind energy in Turkey are examined, the short-term and long-term priorities are evaluated and some suggestions are provided in this paper. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The energy issue is considered as one of the most important issues on the global agenda not only to meet the increasing energy needs but also for environmental protection and enhancement. Practices on utilizing renewable-clean energy sources and discussions related to these practices have been increasing worldwide. This paper''s purpose is to provide empirical data for the deliberation of clean energy and its social acceptance by exploring Istanbul residents’ understanding on clean energy. The overall outcome of the conducted survey indicated that Istanbul residents have accepted the clean energy concept at the theoretical level. However, to carry out this acceptance, they should be provided more information and the changes to use them. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: World energy demands have been increasing rapidly, so natural gas sources in the world play significant role in order to meet those demands. The fastest consumption growth rate of the world''s primary energy sources belongs to natural gas; in addition, it has the highest consumption growth rate among the developing countries. Based on supply–demand models, declining domestic gas production in some regions will lead to a growing supply–demand gap. In fact industrial countries which are also the largest natural gas consumers will lose their key roles in the global natural gas supply in the next two decades. Middle East countries with considerable increase in gas production and due to their economical, political and geopolitical situations could be the best players in the future demand–supply scenarios. This paper deals with natural gas policy of Turkey as a bridge for energy to connect Europe to Asia and Middle East. Because of its geographical and strategic location, Turkey is in an important position to vary European countries supply. Therefore, Turkey''s role for energy security of European Union has increased with current and planned natural gas pipelines that cross over Anatolia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Energy is an essential factor to achieve sustainable development. So, countries striving to this end are seeking to reassess their energy systems with a view towards planning energy programmes and strategies in line with sustainable development goals and objectives. As would be expected, the rapid expansion of energy production and consumption has brought with it a wide range of environmental issues at the local, regional and global levels. States have played a leading role in protecting the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. Turkey is an energy importing country with more than half of the energy requirement being supplied by imports, and air pollution is becoming a great environmental concern in the country. On the other hand, Turkey''s geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of most of the renewable energy sources. In this regard, renewable energy resources appear the most efficient and effective solutions for clean and sustainable energy development in Turkey. This paper provides an overview of global energy use and renewables for clean and sustainable energy policies in Turkey. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Republic of Turkey, located in Southeastern Europe and Southwestern Asia (that portion of Turkey west of the Bosporus is geographically part of Europe). Nowadays, Turkey with its young population and growing energy demand per person, its fast growing urbanization, and its economic development, has been one of the fast growing electrical energy markets of the world for the last two decades. Unfortunately, Turkey''s energy is largely dependent on foreign countries and the country''s energy is imported spending billions of dollars each year. On the other hand, the effects on global and environmental air quality of pollutants released into the atmosphere from fossil fuels in electric power plants provide strong arguments for the development of renewable energy resources. Solar energy is one of the best available among renewable energy sources. There are possess many advantages of solar energy such as relativity, viability, silent, non-polluting, little maintenance, suitable for remote site application, not require any fuel and independent from electricity network. Turkey has advanced a great deal in the generation of electricity from solar energy because of much higher solar energy potential than lots of developed countries on solar energy applications. This study is taken into account that overview of the photovoltaic technology status and perspective in Turkey and the contains of photovoltaic power systems utilization and potential status in the world, energy consumption and demand in Turkey, geographic description of the solar energy in Turkey, PV industry current and potential status in Turkey, solar energy legislation framework in Turkey, R&D status of photovoltaic industry in Turkey, future strategy of PV industry in Turkey, current and future status photovoltaic power systems economics in the world. Also, this paper on the basis of this subjects is analyzed the SWOT of Turkey''s photovoltaic industry, its advantages, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Balancing and settlement market is a crucial part of restructured Turkish electricity market. In this framework, the main purpose of this study is to examine whether the prices constituted in the transitional balancing and settlement market reflect the real cost of imbalances. Although it is observed that the prices are not powerful in indicating the real cost of imbalances, Turkey has the opportunity to form a well-functioning market within the context of planned new market structure. Turkey needs to define a proper roadmap reckoning the points mentioned in this paper to be able to achieve her objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Limited fossil resources and severe environmental problems require new sustainable electricity generation options, which utilize renewable energies and are economical in the meantime. Concentrating solar power (CSP) generation is a proven renewable energy technology and has the potential to become cost-effective in the future, for it produces electricity from the solar radiation. In Turkey, the electricity demand is rapidly increasing, while the solar resources and large wasteland areas are widely available in the western and southeastern part of Turkey. To change the energy-intensive and environment-burdensome economical development way, Turkish government supports the development of this technology strongly. These factors altogether make Turkey a suitable country for utilizing CSP technology. In this paper, the potential of CSP in Turkey was studied and strategies to promote development of this technology were given. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Over the last decade, Turkish electricity demand has increased more than 8% per annum as a result of economic development. Being one of the renewable energy sources par excellence, non-exhaustible, non-polluting and economically more attractive than other renewable sources, hydropower has turned out to be an important contributor to the future energy mix of the country. This paper deals with hydropower policies to meet increasing electricity demand for sustainable energy development in Turkey. Turkey has a total gross hydropower potential of 433TWh/year and 140TWh/year of this capacity can be used economically, corresponding to the second largest economic potential in Europe. Currently only 35% of economic hydro potential of the country is utilized. After completion of hydropower plants under construction, this figure will increase to 49%. It is obvious that even after the construction of all projects there will still be a huge hydro potential in Turkey. Besides, Turkey is a poor country in terms of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, coal and so on) and has no nuclear power plant in operation, which strengthens the role of hydro energy among other alternatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper examines the long run and causal relationship issues between economic growth, carbon emissions, energy consumption and employment ratio in Turkey by using autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing approach of cointegration. Empirical results for Turkey over the period 1968–2005 suggest an evidence of a long-run relationship between the variables at 5% significance level in Turkey. The estimated income elasticity of carbon emissions per capita is −0.606 and the income elasticity of energy consumption per capita is 1.375. Results for the existence and direction of Granger causality show that neither carbon emissions per capita nor energy consumption per capita cause real GDP per capita, but employment ratio causes real GDP per capita in the short run. In addition, EKC hypothesis at causal framework by using a linear logarithmic model is not valid in Turkish case. The overall results indicates that energy conservation policies, such as rationing energy consumption and controlling carbon dioxide emissions, are likely to have no adverse effect on the real output growth of Turkey. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The most important renewable sources are hydropower, biomass, geothermal, solar and wind. Turkey''s geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of most of these renewable energy sources. In recently, electricity has demand increased significantly; it is the fastest growing end-use of energy. Therefore, technical, economic and environmental benefits of hydroelectric power make it an important contributor to the future world energy mix. In the world, particularly in the developing countries renewable energy resources appear to be one of the most efficient and effective solutions for sustainable energy development in Turkey. Turkey''s geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of most of the renewable energy sources. This paper deals with policies to meet increasing energy and electricity demand for sustainable energy development in Turkey. Turkey has a total gross hydropower potential of 433GWh/year, but only 125GWh/year of the total hydroelectric potential of Turkey can be economically used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to point out the importance of renewable energy as a key way for resolving the Turkey''s energy-related challenges. As a consequence of economic and social development, Turkey''s energy consumption has risen dramatically over the past three decades. At present, fossil fuels account for more than 90% of the total energy consumption in the country. Turkey has no large oil and natural gas reserves and it import nearly all of these fossil fuels. Turkey''s current energy mix is not likely to support development of sustainable energy. The energy mix shows a relatively small contribution from renewable energy sources in the country. They have the potential to make a large contribution to Turkey''s sustainable and independent energy future. In particular they can help to reach the environmental goals of Turkey and to increase the security of energy supply by reducing the dependence on imported-fuel supplies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy resources have played an important role to meet increasing energy demand in the world. Among the renewable energy resources, especially, wind energy is of interest due to some advantages, such as being clean, environmental friendly etc. However, the intermittent nature of wind creates several problems to the power system operation and new approaches based on the combined use of wind power and energy storage technologies need to be developed. One of these combined systems is wind-hydro pumped storage systems. In this paper, hydropower and wind energy potential of Turkey are investigated in details. Besides, the importance and the necessity of wind-hydro pumped storage systems for Turkey are comprehensively examined and finally, the contribution of wind-hydro pumped storage systems is emphasized in meeting Turkey''s electric energy demand. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The long-term increase in Earth''s temperature is known as the global warming or the greenhouse effect. Taking into account the fact that the ice age only involved a global temperature variation of around 4°C, it is clear climate change is arguably one of the greatest environmental threats the world is facing today. The impacts of disruptive change leading to catastrophic events such as storms, droughts, sea level rise and floods are already being felt across the world. In this context, the signing of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 has been argued to be a historic step in reversing the inexorable increase in the emission of the greenhouse gases. The primary achievement of the Protocol has been so-called commitment of countries referred in the Annex I of the Protocol to reduce their emission of GHGs some 5% below their country specific 1990 level. On February 5, 2009, Turkish Parliament ratified an agreement to sign the Kyoto Protocol after intense pressure from both the European Union and international environmental organizations; however, so far it has not taken any step to bring about real reductions in emissions. In short, Turkey simply signed but ignored the Protocol. Present paper investigates Turkish position vis-à-vis Kyoto Protocol and critically questions Turkish policies in that area. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Turkey is one of the countries with significant potential in geothermal energy. It is estimated that if Turkey utilizes all of her geothermal potential, she can meet 14% of her total energy need (heat and electricity) from geothermal sources. Therefore, today geothermal energy is an attractive option in Turkey to replace fossil fuels. Besides, increase in negative effects of fossil fuels on the environment has forced many countries, including Turkey, to use renewable energy sources. Also, Turkey is an energy importing country; more than two-thirds of her energy requirement is supplied by imports. In this context, geothermal energy appears to be one of the most efficient and effective solutions for sustainable energy development and environmental pollution prevention in Turkey. Since geothermal energy will be used more and more in the future, its current potential, usage, and assessment in Turkey is the focus of the present study. The paper not only presents a review of the potential and utilization of the geothermal energy in Turkey but also provides some guidelines for policy makers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Decentralized wind, hydropower, biogas and biomass, geothermal, solar thermal and solar electricity energy systems are the most commonly found renewable energy technologies promoted for rural energy supply within sustainable developments programs. They are, therefore, seen to have a central place in the practice of sustainable development and in allowing less development countries to bypass the environmentally damaging fossil fuel intensive paths made by industrialized countries. On the political front, many less development countries are critical of pressure on them to adopt environmental energy technologies. Turkey is situated the meeting point of three continents (Asia, Europe and Africa) and stands as a bridge between Asia and Europe. The country is located in southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. As Turkey’s economy has expanded in recent years, the consumption of primary energy has increased. Presently in order to increase the energy production from domestic energy resources, decrease the use of fossil fuels as well as reduce of green house gas emissions different renewable energy sources are used for energy production in Turkey. The share of energy production from renewable energy sources has increased during the last 10 years. Turkey must import most of the energy to meet her needs. Turkey also has a large potential for renewable energies. The lack of knowledge about renewable energy technologies by most policy-makers, potential consumers, and energy firm managers has played against renewable energy developments. The paper presents renewable energy used in Turkey and Europe Union and evaluation of the market conditions and barriers of renewable energy use in Turkey. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Increase in negative effects of fossil fuels on the environment has forced many countries, including Turkey, to use renewable energy sources. Today, clean, domestic and renewable energy is commonly accepted as the key for future life, not only for Turkey but also for the world. As wind energy is an alternative clean energy source compared to the fossil fuels that pollute the atmosphere, systems that convert wind energy to electricity have developed rapidly. Turkey is an energy importing country, more than half of the energy requirement has been supplied by imports. Turkey''s domestic fossil fuel resources are extremely limited. In addition, Turkey''s geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of wind power. In this context, renewable energy resources appear to be one of the most efficient and effective solutions for sustainable energy development and environmental pollution prevention in Turkey. Since wind energy will be used more and more in the future, its current potential, usage, and assessment in Turkey is the focus of the present study. The paper not only presents a review of the potential and utilization of the wind power in Turkey but also provides some guidelines for policy makers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Turkey''s energy consumption has been growing much faster than its production. It forces Turkey to make a rapid action to supply energy demand. From the viewpoint of primary energy sources (petroleum and natural gas), Turkey is not a rich country, but it has an abundant hydropower potential to be used for generation of electricity. Hydropower is the most important kind of renewable, sustainable energy and a proven technology for electricity generation. The aim of this paper is to discuss sources and policy of hydropower, water and renewable energy in Turkey and compares the hydropower application with Europe. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: One of the keystones for obtaining sustainable development is the use of exergy analysis. The present study deals with the assessment of energy and exergy utilization efficiencies in the industrial sector. Attempts have also been made at understanding the effect of varying dead (reference) state temperatures on these efficiencies. In this context, the methodology used is presented first. It is then applied to Turkey, which is selected as an application country, based on the actual data for 2003. Finally, the results obtained are evaluated and discussed. The Turkish industrial sector (TIS) considered includes iron–steel, chemical–petrochemical, petrochemical–feedstock, cement, fertilizer, sugar, non-iron metal industry and others such as textile and yarn, glass and glassware production, paper, beverage and cigarette, food, wood, leather, etc. All activities in this sector are produced by using electricity and heat energy. Parametric expressions of energy and exergy efficiencies are developed as a function of the dead-state temperature. The energy and exergy efficiency values for the TIS are found to vary from 51.95% to 80.82% and 25.30% to 29.50% at the dead-state temperature variations between 0 and 25°C, respectively. It is expected that this study will be very beneficial in developing energy policies of countries from the exergy management point of view. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The wind energy is one of the most significant and rapidly developing renewable energy sources in the world and it provides a clean energy resource, which is a promising alternative in the short term in Turkey. The wind energy potential in various parts of Turkey is becoming economical due to reductions in the wind turbine costs, and in fossil fuel atmospheric pollution. Because of this, it is necessary to make use of this resource immediately and start conducting the required technical and economical feasibility research. The main purpose of this paper is to present, in brief, wind potential in Turkey and to perform an investigation on the wind energy potential of Kutahya. Therefore, in this study, a wind observation station was established at Dumlupinar University Main Campus in order to figure out the wind energy potential in the province. Topographical and wind speed measurement data have been collected as a first step. The wind speed has been measured at the 10th and 30th meters of the measurement mast for 20 months. The data collected in this observation station between July 2001 and February 2003 have been evaluated via CALLaLOG 98 and ALWIN software programs. The wind energy potential of the location has been studied based on the Weibull and the Rayleigh models. Weibull approximation was found to be better than that of Rayleigh model. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Achieving sustainable development is a target that is now widely seen as important to worldwide public opinion. In this regard, the utilization of renewable energy resources, such as solar, geothermal, and wind energy, appears to be one of the most efficient and effective ways in achieving this target. Recently, wind power as a potential energy has grown at an impressive rate in Turkey.This paper reviews the development of wind energy in the country as of the end of October 2003, including its history, studies conducted on wind energy, restructuring of the Turkish electricity market and wind energy applications.Turkey’s total theoretically available potential for wind power may be around 88,000 MW annually, with particularly attractive areas for wind located along Turkey’s west coast and in southeastern Anatolia. Electricity generation through wind energy for general use was first realized in Izmir, Turkey in 1986 with a 55 kW nominal wind energy capacity. However, the utilization of wind energy in Turkey has increased since 1998 when the first wind power plant with a total capacity of 1.5 MW was installed. Up to date, three wind power plants were installed with a total capacity of 18.9 MW, while a wind power plant with a total capacity of 1.2 MW will be commissioned in November 2003.Present applications have shown that wind energy in Turkey is a promising alternative and the strong development of wind energy is expected to continue in the coming years following restructuring of the Turkish electricity market. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Turkey has very limited indigenous energy resources and has to import around 65% of primary energy to meet her needs. It is a large importer of primary energy despite having ample renewable energy sources.Turkey’s vibrant economy has led to increased energy demand in recent years. This situation is expected to continue in the near future because its economy is dependent mainly on imported oil, natural gas and electricity.This paper presents the prevailing and the expected energy situation and energy demand. Wind energy potential in Turkey is also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Turkey expects a very large growth in energy demand, especially for electricity and natural gas. Today, Turkey’s energy production meets nearly 48% of the total primary energy demand. Total primary energy demand will reach 98 Mtoe in 2001 and 308 Mtoe in 2020. Import of primary energy will reach 226 Mtoe and production of primary energy will increase 81 Mtoe in 2020. As seen, Turkey is an importer country for primary energy. Turkey’s indigenous energy sources are limited, and the country is heavily dependent on the import of primary energy from abroad. The growth of Turkey’s industry is giving rise to a substantial increase in energy demand. In this paper, the primary energy production and sectoral consumption in Turkey is investigated. Further, a sectoral energy demand projection in Turkey is given until 2020. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pumped-storage hydroelectricity (PSH) has been used worldwide as a means of energy storage for many years. Unlike many countries with pumped storage, Turkey has not needed a PSH facility until very recently since the existing hydropower plants with large reservoirs provided the required flexibility to meet daily demand variations. The share of renewable energy in Turkey's electrical grid has significantly increased in the last decade. Moreover, the first nuclear power plant of the country is planned to start operating in 2023, reducing the hydropower share. All of these combined have begun to bring forth the need for energy storage and PSH. On the other hand, the high investment costs of PSH and present electricity pricing policy raises questions about the profitability of a projected PSH facility. In this paper, the Gökçekaya PSH project is selected as a case study to determine the profitability of a PSH implementation in Turkey considering probable operation scenarios based on hourly prices without any reference to environmental issues to highlight the consequences of pricing policy on storage schemes. Evaluations are made using real-time electricity prices and generation-consumption values through the perspective of both the public and private sectors. Results show that the current prices in the Turkish electricity market are not profitable enough for potential PSH projects to attract investment by the private sector. • The decreasing share of hydropower in Turkey's electricity production is increasing interest in PSH. • When Akkuyu NPP becomes operational, a PSH will be needed on days with minimum energy consumption. • Current prices in the Turkish electricity market are not profitable enough for PSH projects. • Electricity price differences between peak and off-peak hours fluctuate significantly over the years. • Converting existing dams into PSH would be more feasible than constructing a pure PSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]