Turkey to increase renewable energy

ISTANBUL - Radikal

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yıldız (R) talks with German Economy Minister Philipp Rösler. DAILY NEWS photo, Selahattin SÖNMEZ

Turkey plans to increase the ratio of its renewable energy resources to 30 percent of its total energy production by 2023, Turkey’s energy minister has said.

“I say proudly that the ratio of renewable energy resources in Turkey is two times the average of European Union member countries. That’s nearly 25-26 percent,” Energy Minister Taner Yıldız said at the Turkish-German Energy Forum, which is being held by the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB).

Representatives of more than 50 German companies accompanied Deputy German Prime Minister and Economy Minister Philipp Rösler and participated in the forum, in which the German side promoted renewable energy.

“We have significant experience in renewable energy. Environmental conditions in Turkey are perfect for renewable energy. We are ready to assist on this issue,” Rösler told the forum, adding that Turkey should make the necessary legal arrangements for renewable energy.

Germany has decided to give up nuclear energy by 2022, but the country is ready to help Turkey in the issue if asked, he added. Rösler said his trip to Turkey for the first time ever with such a large business delegation was an indication of how much Germany valued the Turkish economy. “The Turkish economy has achieved great things in the last 10 years, and this was no coincidence. We want to see long-term relations with Turkey and could cooperate in many fields in this direction.”

He said they discussed with Turkish officials how to modernize power station parks, energy efficiency and renewable energy.