20100630-IEA-Energy_Policies_of_IEA_Countries_Turkey_2009_Review_162页_4mb

Turkey's Energy Policies: IEA Review Summary

Turkey faces the fastest medium-to-long-term growth in energy demand among IEA member countries, driven by its young and urbanizing population. The government's primary energy policy concern is ensuring sufficient energy supply to support economic growth. As Turkey's economy expands rapidly, energy imports are expected to double by 2020, increasing reliance on imports and requiring greater attention to energy security.

Market Reforms
Progress has been made in reforming Turkey's energy markets, particularly in the electricity and natural gas sectors. Power sector reforms aim to increase competition, with cost-reflective tariffs and privatization of generation and distribution businesses. Natural gas reforms have been slower, with BOTAS remaining dominant. Accelerating reforms, improving grid infrastructure, and ensuring competition are critical to enhancing energy security.

Environmental and Climate Change Policies
Turkey has avoided quantitative emissions targets, citing special circumstances. Efforts are being made to improve energy efficiency and promote renewables to address environmental challenges and climate change. Turkey aims to generate 30% of electricity from renewables by 2023 and has set unilateral targets for energy-related CO2 emissions. However, aligning with international climate agreements and securing funding for sustainable projects remains a key challenge.

Resource Diversification and Storage
Turkey's energy mix relies heavily on fossil fuels, but plans are in place to expand nuclear power and harness renewable sources like wind, solar, and geothermal energy. Increasing energy storage capacity is essential to handle growing demand and imports, though current storage is insufficient. Diversifying import routes, such as through the Nabucco pipeline project, is also critical for energy security.

Overarching Recommendations
Turkey should accelerate reforms, streamline institutions, improve energy storage, tackle climate change effectively, and engage in international energy collaborations. Enhanced research and development funding would support the deployment of clean technologies and address any post-2012 climate policy frameworks.

Turkiye's long-term strategy must balance economic growth, energy security, and environmental protection to ensure sustainable development while addressing global and regional energy challenges.