Hulusi Kara
General Manager, Turkerler Energy
The production of renewable energy is being incentivized. However, while these incentives are a good idea, it will take many years to achieve the end-goal because this industry remains rather undeveloped. The Minister of Energy has said that the domestic target will be extended to at least 2020, because the law stipulates that development is to take place by 2015. If a firm produces electricity after that time, it will not use the domestic tariff. The Minister of Energy’s aim for 2023 is 20,000 MW of wind energy. This is a huge goal, and will be realized. However, other branches of government, such as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry consider the target unattainable, and are opposed to the development of forestland. Having said that, it is in Turkey’s best interest in terms of development as it plays an increasingly significant role in the world. Turkey, thanks to successful governance, is one of the fastest growing developing economies in the world. At the end of the day, all Turkish citizens stand to benefit, and we have spent much effort to bring about change in this area.
Olav Hypher
General Manager, Statkraft Turkey
We are seeing an overlap between the Nordic experience in hydropower development, establishing liberal markets, and what is happening in Turkey. We see keen interest from the Turkish side in really working on those experiences. The Nordic models have also influenced European counterparts, which is one important reason why it could take place here. The Norwegians are looking for growth opportunities in Turkey, and Turkey is looking to liberalize its market. This is important. You can always sign a memorandum or understanding (MoU), but filling it with content is the real test. We are in the position of engaging in discussions with the relevant parties in Turkey, and as soon as we are officially able to settle on some of the ideas that we have, it will be easy to communicate these. We took immediate steps after the signing of the MoU to move to the next stage in order to achieve concrete results from the MoU because we all agree it is worth little on its own; it is only worth more when it produces something. It is ultimately based on the overlapping interests between us.
Alican Ekin
General Manager, Alican Ekin
Turkey’s photovoltaic solar market is growing, because toward the end of 2013 the applications for photovoltaic licenses were opened, whereby companies and individuals became free to apply photovoltaic technology on rooftops and land. Turkey’s total capacity for 2013 was at 9 MW PV. It seems to me that an additional 700 MW a year has to be installed per annum to reach this target by 2023. This represents considerable potential, and we now need to educate the public on photovoltaic and rooftop facility applications, as electricity consumption is high and prices are rising. The country’s economic situation is unstable, as is the currency, while the cost of imported energy is volatile and on a rising trajectory. Clearly the solution lies in renewables. The country has to produce its own energy, which includes industry and households.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
You may also be interested in...
