Factors influencing the electricity generation preferences of Turkish citizens: Citizens' attitudes and policy recommendations in the context of climate change and environmental impact

Abstract

Abstract Drawing on the findings of a survey on Turkish citizens' energy preferences, the aim of this study is to propose policy recommendations on Turkey's energy policies. To realise this aim, this study analyzes the attitudes and behaviours of the citizens of Turkish Republic concerning their preferences on electrical energy generation. This article scrutinizes the preferences of citizens on nuclear power plants (NPPs) and renewable energy sources (RES)-based power plants. Moreover, taking into consideration the issues of global warming and climate change, the article provides a separate analysis of how recent developments in these two issues affect citizens' preferences on electrical energy generation. Findings of the study indicate that a vast majority of Turkish citizens are against the establishment of NPPs in the country. The first choice in electricity generation is RES. RES endorsers state that RES-based power plants will result in no environmental problems and that they are willing to pay more for electricity in case of an increasing reliance on RES-based electricity generation. A vast majority of the respondents think that the prime consideration in electricity generation should be its effects on climate change.