Creating Public Opinion in Digitalized Renewable Energy Projects: The Case of the Konya City

Abstract

Turkey has a rich climate diversity, and it is one of the countries that has developed in recent years renewable energy production. Renewable energy resources, which are among the elements that ensure the economic independence of a country, can be listed as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal resources. Turkey provides energy production through its resources. While engineering and geographical science studies stand out on this subject in the literature, there are limited studies on the social reflections of the subject. In this chapter, social reflections on solar energy production in Turkey were discussed and evaluated within the scope of public relations. According to the data published by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Konya produces the most solar energy in Turkey. Hence Konya City was chosen as the research universe. Focus group research was conducted with 16 participants selected from the residents of the city. The social reflections on solar energy were assembled according to the result of the interviews. This chapter aims to generate a guide in forming public opinion on environmental policies.