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Local environmental conflicts are often framed as "resource conflicts" in the political ecology literature. Based on ethnographic research on local community struggles against run-of-river hydroelectric power plants in Turkey's East Black Sea Region, this article aims to demonstrate the limitation of the "resource" frame in explaining the grievances of environmentally dispossessed communities and their motivations to fight against it. The article discusses how and why rivers are more than "natural resources" for the rural communities of the region, maintaining non-human entities as integral not only to the umwelt (environment, surroundings), but also to the lebenswelt (lifeworld). It develops a bodycentred, phenomenological perspective demonstrating how non-human entities become an essential part of our experiential and social world through habitual and corporeal encounter and interaction. It maintains the centrality of the more-than-human lifeworld in the constitution of relational ontologies and ethics of coexistence, and in the formation of political agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Human activities are directly related to fossil fuel consumption and cause global warming and climate change effects by emitting greenhouse gas into the lower atmosphere. To reduce and adapt to such effects, renewable energy sources such as surface dams, including hydroelectric energy (HE) generation units, are gaining importance. In the current literature, HE potential calculations are based on formulations that are quite simple, clear and do not distinguish between different situations. In this paper, two classification methodologies are proposed for better assessment of HE production. The first one is based on the concept of the hypsographic curve to distinguish different drainage basin features into "Young," "Mature" and "Old." The second classification takes into account the newly defined energy index (EI) principle, which helps to classify the HE generation capability of drainage basins into "Very low," "Low," "Normal," "High" and "Very high." The application of the proposed methodology is presented for three drainage basins from the upstream sub‐basins of the Tigris River in Turkey. A comparison of the results shows that the proposed methodologies not only give numerical values but also sets linguistically rational and logical rules for the HE potential of a drainage basin. In the upstream basin of the Tigris River, the EI values vary between 0.705 and 0.122, corresponding to the "High" and "Low" categories, respectively. It is recommended that these two classification procedures be considered before the construction of any dam for HE production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy is one of the most important factors for developed and sustainable societies. However, its utilization in electrical power grid systems can be very challenging regarding rates predictably. Renewable energy depends mainly on environmental conditions such as rainfall-runoff ratios and temperature. Because of that, the expected power production heavily fluctuates, which makes the prediction and calculation of feed-in into the power grid very challenging. The accurate forecasting of energy production is a very crucial issue for power management process. This paper presents the results of deploying Machine Learning Techniques in short-term forecasting of the amount of energy produced of General Circulation Models (GCMs) Data by Almus Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant in Tokat, Turkey. The study demonstrates the use of modeling techniques in hydropower forecasting process using the predicted monthly hydroelectric power generation data of GCMs from 2018 to 2080. Decision Tree, Deep Learning, Generalized Linear, Gradient Boosted Trees and Random Forest models are utilized to forecast the hydropower production. The results show that the correlation value of the gradient boosted trees model equals 0.717, which means that the gradient boosted trees model is the most successful model for the present data. The gradient boosted trees model used in the prediction process for each GCM in each scenario is 4.5 and 8.5. The results show that there are small differences between the models, which means that the predictions are going in similar directions for all these models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wise prediction of discharge is vital for effective utilization of water resources and hydropower generation. There is no doubt that the future climate change will substantially affect precipitation amount, discharge and hydro-meteorology which are considered as major sources for hydropower energy. In this study, we present an application of downscaling technique on prediction of discharge of a local gage station in Turkey. Variable input set of the Third Generation Coupled Global Climate Model variables are statistically downscaled and coupled with variable forms of local discharge (Q, LnQ, MavQ, StdQ, and Q/Qmax) by using five different models as Gene-expression programming, Group Method of Data Handling, K-nearest neighbour, logistic regression and linear regression. Different sub-models are developed and calibrated based on the training period, and the best model is selected based on the testing period. Future projecting of discharge is done based on the Third Generation Coupled Global Climate Model A2 scenario, and the financial analysis is carried out by using this forecasted Q values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower has the largest share among renewable energy sources in the world, supplying more than 16.6% of total global electricity to over 160 countries around the world. Global hydropower capacity increased to approximately 1096 GW with the addition of 25 GW of new hydropower capacity in 2016. With a 216 TWh per year generation capacity, Turkey’s hydropower potential is the largest in Europe. The increased rate of installed capacity in Turkey was ranked 7th in the world in 2016 with an annual installed hydroelectric capacity of 0.8 GW. The main objective of this paper is to review the developments of hydropower installations around the world and in Turkey with an emphasis on the potential of small scale hydropower systems such as waterwheels in utilizing low head water flow for household electricity usage. In the first part of this study, the growth of worldwide hydropower capacity is reviewed and the countries with the largest installed and new built hydropower capacities are reported. In the second part of this study, the current status of Turkey’s hydropower plants is discussed in detail with respect to annual regional rainfall, gross water mass flow and potential of Turkey’s major water basins to demonstrate the potential energy output that can be harnessed from small-scale systems implemented in low-head water sources. In addition, the most recent information on Turkey’s electricity generation and consumption rates are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey's primary energy demand is expected to reach 222.4 megatonnes of oil equivalent by the year 2020. Turkey is one of the top 25 nations in energy consumption. The domestic electricity demand of Turkey is rising by 6% per year. The aim of this study is to assess the contribution on electricity production of primary green energy resources in Turkey to understand realistically the green energy scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey has many problems due to its increasing energy consumption and rapid economic growth. Foreign energy dependency adversely affects sustainable development of the country by hindering its economic development. Turkey has a yearly total 433 TWh hydropower capacity and 151 TWh yearly economical capacity. The electricity demand of Turkey will reach to around 420 TWh annually by 2020. Turkey had 521 operational hydropower plants with a total capacity of almost 24,000 MW in 2014. This corresponds to 34% of the total capacity. Within the first 8 months of 2015, 8 more hydropower plants came online with a capacity of around 1,240 MW. The share of hydro in power generation capacity went up by 1% during the first five months of the year reaching 35% from its previous 34% level in 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower has a critical role in supplying the energy demand and sustaining the economic and industrial growth in Turkey. Over the past decade, several policy changes have been made to improve the contribution of hydropower in overall national energy production. Turkey is utilizing less than half of the hydropower potential and planning to employ almost full of its potential within the next 10 years. For this plan to be realized there is a need to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the past and recent regulations. Implications from such an analysis are believed to be necessary for a better national energy strategy. This work fills this gap and presents analysis of data representing utilized and unutilized hydropower potential obtained from the official sources. The analysis coupled with the recent policy changes was discussed within the context of sustainable hydropower structure. The unutilized hydropower potential plays a crucial role in national energy security. It is also evident that hydropower alone will not be meeting the rapidly increasing demand. So far, however, researchers have shown an increased interest in unutilized hydropower potential; there has been no detailed analysis about identifying characteristics of this potential and developing strategies in terms of required technological investments. The efforts toward realizing the long-term national energy security goals need to consider establishing research development and manufacturing capabilities of domestic hydropower equipment which will fit the need to reduce foreign dependence on hydropower energy technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey, like most countries that run an energy deficit and are dependent on foreign energy sources, is seeking short-term solutions to solve a long-term problem. One of the solutions is to activate renewable energy resources such as small- and mid-sized hydroelectric power plants providing part of a possible long-term solution. However, the speed at which new hydropower plants have been constructed in Turkey has resulted in negative environmental impacts on natural ecosystems. The Environmental Impact Assessment process for Turkey's hydropower plants involves, at least in principle, the expertise of foresters, biologists, fisheries, and aquaculture experts and landscape architects. In this study, 60 experts representing different sectors (government, private, and academic) assessed Turkey's hydropower plants. Results of surveys show that experts rate insufficient minimum environmental flow (75%) and destruction of mountain and riparian forest (51.6%) as the most serious problems related to hydropower plant development; other high-ranking secondary problems include fragmentation and loss of biodiversity (61.7%) and negative impacts on tourism (60%), while the negative impacts on wildlife (35%) were the lowest ranking secondary problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ilisu Dam and HEPP Project, on the Tigris River in the South-Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey, has been under debate for more than half a century due to its possible adverse effects on the environment. In particular, the proposed inundation of the archaeological sites around Hasankeyf has prompted strong criticism from national and international organizations. The primary reason for the administration's insistence on construction of the dam is its energy production capacity. The present study is an assessment of an alternative solution that not only saves Hasankeyf with its countless ancient monuments from inundation but also supplies the projected energy production of Ilisu Dam. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, the development of energy demand in Turkey, the utilization of hydropower potential as well as the problems related to the operation, construction and development phases of hydropower plants have been examined. The number of hydropower plants, their overall installed power (MW), their annual energy production capacity (GWh/yr) and their technical hydropower potential utilization rations have been calculated for the hydropower plants existing in the 25 hydrological basins located in Turkey. The total installed power for hydropower plants under operation for the basins examined in the year 2012 has been calculated as 16,926.80 MW. When the technical hydropower energy potential is taken into account, 28% of hydropower plants are under operation, 27% of them are under construction and 22.4% are under development. In all of the basins, if all of the 1776 projects which are under operation, construction and development are examined, then the total installed power will be 48,298.20 MW, and the annual hydropower production will be 167,333.30 GWh/yr. Hence, as a result, the 77.33% of the technical potential will be utilized. In addition, environmental effects of hydropower plants in the operation and construction phases have been researched. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropower is the main domestic energy resource of Turkey. The total gross and the economically feasible hydropower potentials of Turkey are estimated as 433TWh/yr and 127TWh/yr, respectively, by the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSI) of the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs.1 Approximately 35% of the economically feasible hydropower potential is currently being utilized. The government accelerated the development of the unused potential by enabling the private sector to build and operate hydroelectric power plants. The primary goal of a feasibility study is the determination of the best installed capacity through economic analysis, which is based on evaluation of energy incomes and investment costs associated with alternative installed capacities. Generally, it is relatively easy to realistically estimate the investment costs. On the other hand, energy income estimation is not a straight forward process; a number of different methods which result in different income estimates are being used in Turkey. The General Directorate of Renewable Energy (YEGM) of the Ministry and Natural Resources and DSI recommend similar methods for energy income estimation based on firm and secondary energy generations. However, suggested unit prices for firm and secondary energy generations by DSI and YEGM are quite different, which results in different energy income estimations. Apart from these two methods, consultancy firms, unlike DSI and YEGM, use a single unit price for energy without making any distinction between firm and secondary energies. In all three methods fixed energy prices are used. Nevertheless these approaches do not represent the current situation in Turkey, since the electricity market allows development of hourly electricity prices. In this study, a new energy income estimation method which utilizes hourly electricity prices, called the Variable Price Method is developed. Results of these four methods are compared for a case study, namely Altiparmak Hydroelectric Power Plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of the water potential and hydropower energy status of Turkey, especially of multi-dam power projects, namely, the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) and the Çoruh River Development Plan. The contribution of these projects to the hydropower energy potential is investigated. Turkey's annual total gross, technically feasible and economically feasible hydropower potentials calculated by General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works are 435, 215, and 128TWh, respectively. As the beginning of 2013, there are 354 hydroelectric power plants in operation, 224 under construction and a further 1068 at various planning levels. The hydropower plants in operation have an installed capacity of 18,811MW with an annual average generation of 67,077GWh. Finally, it is found that the GAP Project corresponds 33.1 and 8.0% of the current total hydroelectric energy production and electricity production of Turkey, while these values are 7.58 and 1.73% in the Çoruh River Development Plan, respectively. These projects are crucial for Turkish energy market and economy. For this reason, development studies and investments in the hydropower sector should be encouraged, supported and put into operation immediately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. With respect to global environmental issues, Turkey's carbon dioxide emissions have grown along with its energy consumption. States have played a leading role in protecting the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. 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. Turkey's geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of most of these renewable energy sources. This article presents a review of the energy and environmental policies in Turkey. Over the last few decades, a number of Turkish citizens who live in the eastern part of country have migrated to the western part of the country. This caused some problems in the energy utilization and environmental pollution in the western regions in Turkey. For this reason, in the coming decades, global environmental issues could significantly affect patterns of energy use in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Turkey is a recently developed country, a regional power in the Middle East and an economic powerhouse of the region. Turkey's electricity demand is continuously increasing due to fast economic growth coupled with the country's vibrant young population. It is envisaged that this demand would keep on increasing almost exponentially in the next decade according to the recently avowed Vision 2023 agenda. According to which, the Turkish government ambitiously wants to provide 30.0% of the country's electricity demand from renewable energy sources by 2023. Turkey has vast renewable energy potential including hydro, geothermal, solar and wind. However, historically there is only one playmaker that is hydropower. Thus a detailed review of the current status and future prospects of Turkish hydropower market is urgently needed to generate a roadmap for the Vision 2023 agenda. This paper was intended to provide that vital information. Currently, more than 25.0% or 57.5TWh of the country's electricity demand is supplied from hydropower. According to official projections this would increase to approximately 116.0TWh in 2023. In this study, hydropower's supply rate of Turkey's annual electricity demand was assessed based on the official projections and a forecast was generated. Results showed that between 22.0% and 27.0% of Turkey's annual electricity demand should be supplied from hydropower in 2023. Therefore, between 22.5TWh and 45.0TWh of electricity should be generated from renewable energy sources other than hydropower to provide a total of 30.0% renewable energy based electricity generation in 2023. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Turkey, as a rapidly developing and industrializing country, is in need of reliable, inexpensive, and high quality energy. The main energy sources of Turkey are coal, natural gas and hydropower. However, almost all the natural gas and high quality coal is imported. Thus, hydropower is the main domestic energy source. According to the State Hydraulic Works (SHW), the primary executive state agency responsible for the planning, operation, and management of water resources, Turkey has an economically viable hydroelectric potential of 140,000GWh/year. Currently, around 35% of this potential is utilized. Increasing the share of hydropower in the energy budget of Turkey will reduce dependency on foreign energy sources. However, development of the unused hydropower potential, especially through run-of-river plants, has caused many problems in the country. Run-of-river plants are small hydropower plants (SHPPs) usually with no storage. Electricity Market Law No. 4628 which came into effect in February 2001 was a major step towards the privatization of the electricity sector. The law enabled planning and construction of SHPPs by the private sector. This created a big market for consulting firms which prepare feasibility reports, construction companies, and companies that own and operate these SHPPs. However, due to inadequate water resources management strategies, rivers are impaired; their natural flows are disturbed to generate electricity without paying necessary attention to components of the ecosystem and the needs and concerns of local residents. Thus, Turkey faces a challenging problem: Maximizing the utilization of hydropower which is the main domestic energy source while maintaining environmentally conscious and sustainable development. This study aims to explain the change in the contribution of hydropower in the energy budget of Turkey with time and current social and environmental problems associated particularly with SHPPs. Issues requiring immediate attention to facilitate sustainable development of hydropower potential are identified. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hydroelectric plants play an important role in electricity production in Turkey as well as all over the world. However, the increase in the irregularity of flow regimes and the decrease in water ranges of the rivers due to global warming in recent years have revealed that supporter systems are necessary. One alternative solution that could be applied is an integrated system with both hydropower and wind energy. In this study, a system consisting of a hydroelectric power plant (HEPP) and/or wind power plant(s) (WPP) is designed to resolve the energy demand for the Konya water treatment plant, and the results were analyzed. The wind power calculator program and local wind energy measurement data were used to design the WPP. In addition, the water flow rate due to the mean of the elevation difference between the bend of the dam and plant was used to design the HEPP. The electrical energy consumption of the Konya water treatment plant was considered in the design of the WPP and HEPP. The energy production of the WPP and HEPP, the energy demand of the water treatment plant, the monthly and yearly affordability of the energy production were calculated. Additionally, an economic analysis was performed, where the basic payback period was calculated. All the data used in this study are based on long-term measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this article, an attempt is made to better understand the contribution of hydropower in meeting electric energy needs of Turkey. Thus, a comparison between Turkey and other countries, which have some similarities with Turkey or which are more developed nations compared to Turkey, for evaluating from different aspects the contribution of hydropower in meeting electric energy needs is performed. The producers of electricity and hydroelectricity in the world, and the electric sectors of all the selected countries are firstly examined. Thereafter, Turkey''s water resources and its potential, hydropower potential, and current status of hydropower in Turkey are investigated in detail. A detailed discussion regarding economic and energy indicators, hydroelectricity versus thermal electricity, the contributions of hydroelectricity to the total and renewable electricity generation, and the usage status of hydro potential of each selected nation is also made. Finally, it is found that hydropower is the second largest contributor in meeting Turkey''s electric energy needs after thermal, mainly natural gas. It is also estimated that the contribution of hydropower will continue because a vast amount of its economically feasible hydro potential (about 64%) is undeveloped. Besides, it is determined that the contribution of hydropower in the total electricity generation in Turkey is greater than that of China and India, but it is lower than that of Norway, Brazil, and Canada. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Generating electricity, from renewable energy sources has become a high priority in the energy policy strategies at a national level as well as on a global scale. Although Turkey has many energy resources only coal and hydropower are significant at present, and as demand had risen, it has been necessary to import fuels to meet the total energy demand. The fossil resources, both indigenous and imported, have become expensive and also have undesirably high emissions. Turkey has an extensive shoreline and mountains and is rich in renewable energy potential. The share of renewables on total electricity generation is 35% while that of thermal power is 65% for the year 2010. Turkey is one of those countries that are considered rich and abundant in renewable energy resources. Turkey is facing serious challenges in satisfying its growing energy demand. To fuel a rapidly growing economy, the country’s electricity consumption is increasing by an average of 8–9% every year, and significant investments are needed in generation, transmission and distribution facilities to balance the power system’s supply and demand. With very limited oil and gas reserves, Turkey is increasingly turning to renewable energy sources as a means to improve its energy security and curb dependence on imported gas from Russia and Iran. This paper investigates the potential of renewable energy resources in Turkey at present and the magnitude of their present and future contributions to the national energy consumption. Energy politics are also considered. [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: Agriculture is still the occupation of the majority of Turkish people, despite the share of industry and services rising constantly. In terms of agricultural lands, Turkey is also one of the largest countries in the world. Fruits and field crops make up for the most of vegetable products, wheat being the leading crop. Turkey has a high trade surplus with the EU-27 (1.5billion Euros in 2009) mainly due to exports of edible fruits and nuts, preparations of fruit and vegetables. The aim of this study is to investigate the utility of renewable energies for agricultural activities. In this concept, solar energy, biomass energy, wind energy, geothermal energy and hydropower are discussed by application examples performed in Turkey. In conclusion, proposals and recommendations are given as alternative energy instead of fossil energy sources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Turkey has a dynamic economic development and rapid population growth. Turkey has seven regions, all different from each other. The western part of Turkey has cosmopolitan centers of industry, finance, and trade especially in the major cities, whereas the eastern part of the country is relatively underdeveloped. Over the last few decades, numbers of Turkish citizens living in the eastern part of the country have migrated to the western part of the country. This caused some problems in energy utilization and environmental pollution in the western regions of Turkey. For this reason, in the coming decades, global environmental issues could significantly affect patterns of energy use in Turkey. Worldwide, hydropower has a great role in global environmental issues, such as environmental and air pollutions in Turkey. This article deals with the role of hydropower in energy utilization and environmental pollution in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Turkey is a rapidly growing country regarding its economy and population and therefore has a large and continuously increasing energy demand. Turkey mostly meets its energy demand from imported fossil sources. However apart from petroleum and natural gas, Turkey has almost all kinds of energy resources and hence it would not need to meet its energy demand through import. In addition, Turkey has very large potential of hydraulic energy but to date only one-third of this significant economical potential could be used. This ratio seems insufficient when compared with that of European countries. In this paper the role of hydroelectric power, its potential and its present status are investigated in detail for Turkey. Especially the small scale hydropower plant is emphasized as Turkey''s renewable energy source. Furthermore the water resources of Turkey are examined. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The main objective in doing the present study is to investigate the sustainable development of hydropower plants in the Çoruh river basin of Turkey, which is least problem river of Turkey in respect to international cooperation as compared with Turkey''s other trans-boundary waters. Initial studies concerning the hydropower production potential in Çoruh basin had been carried out by Turkish authorities in the late 1960s. Total installed power capacity and annual average energy generation of 37 dams and run of river (without storage) hydropower plants developed at various project stages by The Electrical Power Resources Survey and Development Administration (EİE) in Çoruh basin are 3132.70MW and 10.55TWh/yr, respectively. Today, this generation value corresponds 6.45% of Turkey''s energy consumption in 2006 while it meets 6.3% of total electricity energy production of Turkey which is equal to 167.9TWh/yr in 2006. Besides, this potential developed at various project stages in Çoruh basin will provide 24.1% of Turkey''s hydroelectric energy generation being equal to 43.8TWh/yr in 2006. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the historical development of Turkey’s electricity power sector, the efforts for introducing competition in the power industry in Turkey, and the concerns regarding restructuring in Turkey. The contribution of the hydropower energy potential in Turkey to the reconstruction of the electricity structure in Turkey is also investigated. Then, among the 25 hydrological basins in Turkey, the Eastern Black Sea Basin located in the northeast of Turkey, which has great advantages from the view point of small hydropower potential or hydropower potential without storage, is chosen as the case study to carry out some investigations concerning its potential and to analyze the contribution of the private sector (the corporate body) in regard to the development of hydro potential in this basin within the scope of the 4628 Electricity Market Law. With this law, concerning the restructuring of the electricity market, private sector investments in this segment have increased. In total, 1524 hydroelectric power projects with 22 360 MW installed capacity has been implemented until January 22nd, 2009 and this figure is continuously rising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Hydroelectric energy is one of the major renewable energy resources in Turkey. Turkey's gross hydropower potential is estimated as 433-442 terawatt hours/year; that is equal to 1% of world and 14% of European hydropower potential. This article presents the historical development, potential, and current status of hydropower, and examines the current role hydropower is playing in Turkey, along with some of its inherent benefits and environmental aspects. The article shows that hydropower provides about 25% of Turkey's electricity generation and has the best performance with respect to energy payback ratio. Hydropower is an important renewable energy source for clean, sustainable, and cheap energy compared to some other energy sources used in Turkey, as well as the world. Development studies and investments in this sector should be increasingly supported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

The global debate about large dams is at once overwhelmingly complex and fundamentally simple. It is complex because the issues are not confined to the design, construction, and operation of dams themselves but embrace the range of social, environmental, and political choices on which the human aspiration to development and improved well being depend. Over the last two decades, global electricity production has more than doubled and electricity demand is rising rapidly around the world as economic development spreads to emerging economies. Not only has electricity 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, particularly in the developing countries. This article deals with policies to meet increasing energy and electricity demand for sustainable energy development in Turkey. Turkey has a total gross hydropower potential of 433 GWh/yr, but only 125 GWh/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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, global electricity production has more than doubled and electricity demand is rising rapidly around the world as economic development spreads to emerging economies. Not only has electricity 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, particularly in the developing countries. On the other hand, Turkey has a total gross hydropower potential of 433 GWh/yr, but only 125 GWh/yr of the total hydroelectric potential of the country 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 3.75 GWh/yr. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Over the last two decades, global electricity production has more than doubled and electricity demand is rising rapidly around the world as economic development spreads to emerging economies. Not only has electricity 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, particularly in the developing countries. 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. 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/year. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is increasing consensus in both the scientific and political communities that significant reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are necessary to limit the magnitude and extent of climate change. Renewable energy systems already reduce GHG emissions from the energy sector, although on a modest scale. Most long-term energy projections show that renewable energy will play a major role in the global energy supply in the second half of the century, with capacity increasing gradually in the first three decades. On the other hand, Turkey is heavily dependent on expensive imported energy resources (oil, gas and coal) 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 one of the most efficient and effective solutions for clean and sustainable energy development in Turkey. Turkey''s geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of most of these renewable energy sources. This article presents a review of the potential and utilization of the fossil fuels and the renewable energy sources in the world and in Turkey. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 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 power markets of the world for the last two decades. It is expected that the demand for electric energy in Turkey will be 300 billionkWh by the year 2010 and 580 billionkWh by the year 2020. Turkey is heavily dependent on expensive imported energy resources 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. Turkey''s geographical location has several advantages for extensive use of most of these renewable energy sources. This article presents a review of the potential and utilization of the renewable energy sources in Turkey. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Renewable energy resources provide a large share of the total energy consumption of many developing countries. Turkey''s renewable sources are the second largest source for energy production after coal. About two-thirds of the renewable energy produced is obtained from biomass, while the rest is mainly from hydroelectric energy. Hydropower is today the most important kind of renewable and sustainable energy. In Turkey, most of the important water power plants have been developed; hence, only a modest increase in the hydroelectric generating capability can be anticipated in the next two decades. Turkey has a gross annual hydro potential of 433,000GWh, which is almost 1% of world total potential. Its share is about 16% of the total hydropower capacity in Europe. The total gross electricity production of Turkey has reached about 140,283GWh in 2003, 75% of this is produced from thermal sources and the reminder 25% from hydropower. The main objective in doing the present study is to investigate the sustainable development of Turkey''s small hydropower (SHP) plants. Development of SHP began in 1902 in Turkey. Total installed projects capacity of SHP plant is 2.45% and the total energy potential is about 2.96%, which have installed capacity less than 10MW. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article deals with Turkey's natural gas, hydropower, and geothermal energy policies. Turkey has made repeated efforts to increase foreign investment in its power industry. Turkey's energy demand is growing at 8% a year, one of the highest rates in the world. But investment has lagged far behind what is required to ensure reliable supply. Turkey's energy use causes serious air pollution problems. Furthermore, the government forecasts strong growth in fossil fuel use, including a four-fold increase in coal use by 2020 that would cause large greenhouse-gas emissions. While the forecasts may overestimate fossil fuel demand growth, the government must address the environmental issues rapidly. Specifically, Turkey needs a strategy that allows it to assume a concrete greenhouse gas emissions target no later than the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. Natural gas consumption is the fastest growing primary energy source in Turkey. Turkey has supplied main natural gas needs from Russia; however Turkmen and Iranian gas represent economically sound alternatives. Hydroelectricity accounts for 45% of Turkey's total installed. Turkey continued, despite strong international criticism, to pursue its plans to construct the 1,200-megawatt Ilısu hydroelectric project. Ilısu is part of the Southeastern Anatolian Water Project, known as GAP. When completed, GAP will consist of 22 dams and 19 hydroelectric plants on the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers. Turkey has a total gross hydropower potential of 433 GW, but only 125 GW of the total hydroelectric potential of Turkey can be economically used. Turkey plans to increase hydropower production in the near future by especially using her small and micro hydroelectric plants (SHEPs and MHPs, respectively). Turkey is one of the geothermally potential rich 7 countries in the world. More than 1,000 hot and mineral water springs up to 373 K and 413 K geothermal fields with a temperature range of 313 to 505 K have been discovered in Turkey. Turkey has shot up the list of top direct use geothermal countries in recent years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with policies to meet increasing demand for electricity in Turkey and elsewhere. Turkey has a gross annual hydropower potential of 433,000 GWh; that is equal to 1% of the total hydropower potential of the world and 14% of European hydropower potential. Only 122,322 GWh of the total hydroelectric potential of Turkey can be economically used. Environmental problems created by exploitation of domestic resources should not be ignored. We comment on adverse effects of largescale hydroelectric projects in Canada, Egypt, and the USA. We argue in favor of small-scale dams for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When talking about renewable energy sources today, the most important and economical energy sources for Turkey are hydropower and biomass. The present study gives a review of production, consumption, and economics of hydropower and biomass as renewable energy sources in Turkey. Turkey has a total gross hydropower potential of 433 GW, but only 125 GW 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. On the other hand, biomass (wood and wastes) energy is the second most important renewable energy source for Turkey. However, the biomass energy sources of Turkey are limited. In 1998, the biomass share of the total energy consumption of the country is 10%. In this study, the potential of important biomass energy sources and animal solid wastes of the country were determined. The effects of hydropower and biomass usage on the environment were also discussed. Considering total cereal products and fatty seed plants, approximately 50-60 million tons per year of biomass and 8-10 million tons of solid matter animal waste are produced, and 70% of total biomass is seen as being usable for energy. Some useful suggestions and recommendations are also presented. The present study shows that there is an important potential for hydropower and biomass energy sources in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkey has a total hydropower potential of 433 GW that is equal to 1.2% of the total hydropower potential of the world and to 14% of European hydropower potential. Only 125 GW of the total hydroelectric potential of Turkey can be economically used. By the commissioning of new hydropower plants, which are under construction, 34% of the economically usable potential of the country would be tapped. At the present, hydropower energy is an important energy source for Turkey due to its useful characteristics such as being renewable, clean, and less impactful on the environment, and a cheap and domestic energy source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]