Towards a Greener Türkiye: Renewable Energy Perspectives and Future Directions
Keywords:
Renewable energy, sustainability, energy policy, energy transitionAbstract
Many countries today rely heavily on fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum for electricity generation, and this dependence continues to grow as energy demands increase. However, transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind is essential to mitigating the effects of climate change. This paper focuses on Türkiye, a country that remains dependent on fossil fuels but has been making significant strides in renewable energy development. Türkiye’s renewable energy sector has become a key pillar in its pursuit of energy security and sustainable growth. This review examines the current state of renewable energy utilization in Türkiye, analyzing the key drivers, policies, and challenges shaping the sector. Considerable progress has been made in harnessing solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal energy, helping to meet the country’s rising energy demands while reducing fossil fuel dependence. However, challenges such as financial constraints, grid integration issues, and policy inconsistencies persist. Additionally, a survey conducted among Turkish high school students assessed their awareness of renewable energy. The results indicated that gender has no significant impact on their responses or their interest in pursuing careers in the renewable energy sector. By addressing these aspects, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of Türkiye’s renewable energy landscape, offering insights into innovative technologies, policy recommendations, and strategic approaches to overcoming barriers. Ultimately, it highlights Türkiye’s potential role in advancing global energy and climate goals.
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