布鲁盖尔-A-new-strategy-for-European-Union_13页_352kb

Summary of "A New Strategy for European Union-Turkey Energy Cooperation"

Core Content

This paper discusses the need for a strategic reorientation of EU-Turkey energy and climate cooperation. Despite the current political tensions between the EU and Turkey, energy cooperation remains a potential area for mutual benefit. The authors argue that while gas and electricity have historically been the main components of this cooperation, they are not the most impactful or strategic areas for long-term sustainability and stability. Instead, they suggest focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, and carbon markets.

Main Points

• Current Cooperation: Gas and electricity have been the cornerstone of EU-Turkey energy cooperation, but their strategic value is diminishing due to limited trade volumes and lack of institutionalisation.
• Strategic Shift: The paper recommends refocusing bilateral cooperation on renewable energy, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, and carbon markets, which could significantly enhance climate and environmental sustainability, reduce energy import dependency, and support EU leadership in sustainable energy.
• Coal Rush Concerns: Turkey is pursuing an aggressive coal expansion programme, which could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, environmental degradation, and public health risks. This trend needs to be countered through stronger support for renewables and energy efficiency.

Key Areas for Cooperation

1. Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

• The EU currently provides financial support for renewable and energy efficiency projects in Turkey through the European Investment Bank (EIB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and the European Commission.
• The MidSEFF (Mid-Size Sustainable Energy Financing Facility) is the most significant initiative, with €1 billion allocated to support such projects.
• The EU should scale up its financial support to make renewables and energy efficiency more competitive in Turkey, especially given the high cost of capital as a major barrier.
• The current renewable target (30% of electricity by 2023) is seen as insufficient, as it was already met in 2015 through hydropower alone.
• Energy efficiency targets have not been met, with energy intensity increasing in Turkey, unlike other IEA countries.

2. Nuclear Energy

• Turkey has plans to build three nuclear power plants, with the Akkuyu project being the most advanced.
• The EU can support Turkey's nuclear energy sector by integrating it into the Euratom framework, which provides expertise and institutional support for nuclear development.
• This would enhance regional nuclear safety and support Turkey's energy diversification strategy.

3. Carbon Markets

• Turkey has not developed a carbon market, unlike China, which has made significant progress in this area.
• The EU, with its experience in carbon trading, can offer institutional support to Turkey, helping it establish a functional carbon market.
• This would align Turkey with global climate change mitigation efforts and provide new commercial opportunities for European firms.

Strategic Benefits

• For the EU: Strengthening cooperation in these areas would allow the EU to demonstrate its leadership in sustainable energy, while opening up new markets and investment opportunities.
• For Turkey: It would help reduce reliance on Russian gas, lower energy import costs, and improve climate and environmental performance.
• Avoiding Coal Rush: A stronger focus on renewables and energy efficiency could prevent Turkey from expanding its coal programme, which poses serious risks to the environment, public health, and macroeconomic stability.

Institutional and Policy Recommendations

• The EU should increase its blended finance support for sustainable energy projects in Turkey, particularly by reducing the cost of capital.
• The EU should consider institutional partnerships, such as through Euratom and carbon market frameworks, to provide structured support to Turkey.
• The EU and Turkey should explore cooperation mechanisms similar to those used with China in the development of carbon markets.

Conclusion

A reorientation of EU-Turkey energy and climate cooperation towards renewables, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, and carbon markets could yield significant long-term benefits. This strategic shift would not only align with global sustainability goals but also help to stabilize the EU-Turkey relationship by addressing shared energy and climate challenges.