Developing Wind Energy in Turkey

Abstract

An important portion of the world’s electrical energy requirement in today has been supplied by thermal power plants that use fossil fuels. The increasing negative effects of fuels based on carbon that are non-renewable in recent years have forced the scientists to draw attention to clean energy sources that are both environmentally more suitable and renewable such as wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy. Actually, the wind power has played a long and important role in the history of civilization. Wind energy has been utilized by mankind for thousands of years. Since earliest recorded history, wind power has been used to drive ships, pump water and grind grain. However, the use of wind turbines to generate electricity can be traced back to the late nineteenth century with windmill generator constructed in the US. In spite of technical advances and the enthusiasm, among others, there was little sustained interest in wind generation until the price of oil rose dramatically in 1970s. The sudden increase in the price of oil stimulated a number of substantial research, development and demonstration. The wind technology was gradually improved since the early 1970s. By the end of the 1990s, wind energy has re-emerged as one of the most important renewable energy resources (Burton et al, 2001). The cost of wind electricity production cost has been gradually decreasing with improving technology. At present, wind energy has been widely used to produce electricity in many countries in America, Asia and especially Europe Continent. According to 2009. data, total installed wind power capacity in the world is reached 160,084 MW by increase 31% compared to 2008 year. US, 22% of the global wind capacity, is worldwide the leading wind energy country. US have 35159 MW installed capacity. Electricity generation from wind power is projected to reach 4.5% of total electricity generation in 2030. worldwide, compared with less than 1% in 2007. Wind power is projected to soon become the most significant source of renewablesbased electricity after hydropower, ahead of biomass (World Energy Outlook, 2009.). Turkey as a bridge between Europe and Asia Continent has been developing both economically and technologically day-by-day. Electrical energy in Turkey is mainly produced by thermal and hydroelectric power plants. Because of limited energy sources, Turkey is heavily dependent on imported oil and gas. The primary energy consumption of Turkey is about 90.1 million tons of equivalent oil (Mtep) according to 2009. records (BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 2010.). Utilization of renewable energy as indigenous source in the electricity generation is an important fact for Turkey in terms of both security of energy supply and environmental concerns. When it comes to Turkey’s situation pertaining to wind energy exploitation, it can be seen that Turkey is rather unsuccessful in using its potential (Gokcek et al., 2007.). Technical potential in Turkey in terms of wind