Energy resources i̇n the li̇ght of the hydropower plants i̇n the turki̇sh economy and the locati̇on of the example of Trabzon

Energy consumption is considered as the most important criteria for the development levels of the countries. Energy consumption is continuously increasing and will continue to increase in the future. However, meeting the increasing need for energy from the natural resources is a challenging issue because of the increasing population and industrialization. By the same token, day by day decrease of natural resources inevitably directs more to renewable energy resources. Per capita consumption or production of electric energy in a country is important since it reflects the life standards in that country. Although per capita consumption for electric energy in the first years of the republic, which was 7kwh, has increased 1805 kWh in 2000s, it is clear that we are below the World or Europe considering that this ratio is 5000 kWh in Europe and 2500 kWh in the World. This results imply that we need to prepare important plans about this issue. The development levels of the countries are measured through the quantity of their energy consumption. Hydroelectric energy is one of the most important available renewable energy resources of Turkey. While developed countries have used their potential in a vast scale, only 35,4% of this potential with the existing facilities has been used in Turkey. Gross hydroelectric potential of Turkey is about 433 billion kWh/year, her usable potential from the technical aspect is about 216 billion kWh/year, and her economic potential is about 129,9 billion kWh/year (DSİ, 2009). One of today's most fundamental problems is energy need and the environmental problems created to meet this need. The barrages and hydroelectric stations built for hydroelectric energy production bring many benefit-damage issues up together with them. In this context, the utility of hydroelectric energy production is discussed in science world and public opinion. In the light of this information, it is an undeniable truth that energy resources are the indicators of a country's development and economic growth. The purpose of this study is to investigate Turkey's place in the total stations in this context, her contribution to the total hydroelectric energy production, and the usage ratio of total hydroelectric potentials in Turkey and basin. Key Words: Hydroelectric Power Plants, Energy Sources, Renewable Energy Sources.