The use of renewable energy in sustainable urban planning

Following the Industrial Revolution, the acceleration of mechanization brought about significant negative impacts on both humans and the environment. In response, new modes of urban thinking and planning have emerged to mitigate these effects. The depletion of natural resources, the increase in carbon emissions due to fossil fuel consumption, and the rise of neoliberal urbanization have all exacerbated environmental problems, leading to global crises and climate change. In this context, sustainable urban planning and the use of renewable energy sources have become imperative. The concept of a sustainable city has emerged with the aim of preventing the continuation of global problems through a model that is harmonious with nature and humanity, and that ensures the efficient use of resources. Recognized as a new urban paradigm, sustainable cities and the use of renewable energy aim to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate the climate crisis, and achieve energy justice. Within this framework, sustainable cities are characterized by the minimization of fossil fuel dependency, the efficient utilization of resources, sustainable economic growth, high levels of well-being, energy democracy, and participatory governance models. This study discusses the characteristics, advantages, limitations, and implementation methods of sustainable cities. The discussion is expanded through theoretical frameworks such as ecological modernization, environmental justice, post-Fordist urbanization, and energy justice, considering environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The primary research questions focus on the extent to which current urban policies comply with sustainability criteria and how renewable energy systems can be effectively integrated into urban areas. The study also explores current practices of sustainable cities and ecological villages. Case studies of cities that implement sustainability through different approaches are included in the analysis. Through the examination of nine selected cities, the study analyzes the role of renewable energy in achieving net-zero targets, the associated challenges, and emerging issues in relation to social sustainability policies. Although the transition from fossil-based energy sources to renewable energy systems contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions and alleviates environmental problems, challenges such as the lack of a just transition, neoliberal approaches, and greenwashing practices continue to limit urban sustainability. The study concludes that sustainable urbanization can only be realized through socially inclusive and economically sound policies that are supported by technical expertise. The impacts of neoliberal policies on sustainable cities are critically examined, and a framework is proposed for evaluating sustainable urbanism based on more equitable and ecological approaches aimed at improving current urban policies.