Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 05/2008

Turkey: Energy Status and Expectations

Hasan Hüseyin Erkaya, Yusuf Yazar

January 2008

SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research

Abstract

Turkey has a growing economy demanding about 7% more energy each year. It's electric power generation capacity (approx. 41,000 MW) must be doubled in the next 10 years to meet the demand. Natural gas has a significant share in electricity production, which should be reduced. Domestic and renewable energies should be employed in meeting the demand. Turkey took major steps toward liberalization of its energy market. Private enterprises are expected to invest in the energy market in a timely manner. Turkey has an “energy corridor” position between the gas and oil producing countries and the importing countries. Turkey’s efforts to actualize the use of renewable and domestic sources should be supported.