BÜLENT EKİCİ

The Significance of Renewable Energy and the General Situation in Turkey

Abstract

Renewable energy has an extremely important place in meeting the energy needs of countries with domestic resources, reducing external dependency, diversifying resources and ensuring sustainable energy use, and minimizing the environmental damage caused by energy consumption. Today, around 20 percent of the world’s consumed energy is derived from renewable sources. Despite the high level of dependence on fossil fuels in the current situation, the use of renewable energy is increasing steadily over the years.

Significant progress has been made in the field of renewable energy in Turkey, which has followed the global trend in recent years. By the end of 2016, Turkey’s renewable energy total installed capacity is estimated at 35 GW, while 35% of total electricity production is covered by renewable sources. The vast majority of this installed power is hydraulic energy. Although the rates of resources defined as modern renewable energy types such as wind and sun have increased over the years, they are not yet satisfactory.

Turkey has a very good geographical position in terms of renewable energy potential. However, the level of renewable energy production is low. There are many factors, such as the costs and the shortcomings in legal regulations, under which the margin between potential and benefit is obvious. Given the country’s external dependency rates, the use of existing renewable energy potentials is becoming very important for Turkey in the long run.

In order to be able to correct this situation as soon as possible, it is necessary to expand the training at all levels related to the use of renewable energy resources.

Biography

Dr. Bülent Ekici is a Full Professor of Mechanical Engineering at The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Marmara University, Turkey. He is a vice Dean in the engineering Faculty. His research interests are in the Design of Mechanical Systems. His research contributions have been disseminated in more than 50 scientific publications and books. Dr. Ekici has taught several undergraduate and graduate courses: Continuum Mechanics, Machine Design, Strength of Materials and Mechanics of Composite Materials.