The role of thermal power plants in the Turkish economy: The case of the Marmara region

Nowadays, energy is one of the main factors in the economic and social development of countries and their ability to compete in the global economy. Energy, especially electrical energy has been one of the most important problems in Turkey and today it is predticted that the problem will continue in the future. In this study, the role of thermal power plants in Turkey?s economy has been examined by associating it with political, economic and environmental factors. Additionally, the importance of the thermal power plants located in Marmara region and the role they play in the energy market has been explained.In recent years there has been an increase in the number of thermal power plants and they have led to important economic development and growth in employment in the regions where they have been established. However, there are also environmental effects of thermal power plants. With this in mind the policies related to energy and thermal power plants have been investigated and the their contribution to the regional economy and their potential harm to the environment were identified. With the data which was obtained the construction, status and performance of the thermal power plants were analyzed. Within the scope of the study the thermal power plants which play an important role in the market have been examined and a survey was conducted with 20 of the 32 thermal plants which are active in Marmara region and hold a production licence from Turkey?s Energy Market Regulatory Agency.The sector analysis which is part of the study was done through SWOT analysis method. Survey results and data obtained from other studies related to thermal power plants have been alalyzed with the SWOT analysis method and the strenghts and weaknesses of the thermal power plants, the opportunities they provide and the threats they pose have been presented. As a result of the study solutions were put forward in order for Turkey to get rid of the problems related to energy production. In addition, the necessity of the establishment of coal-fired thermal power plants has been advoctaed since they are harmless to the environment thanks to the technology they use, lead to economic development and free the country from bening dependant on other countries. Due to the contribution of thermal power plants to a country?s economy, the growht in empployment they provide and the fact that they make use of local sources it is ecpected that the the number of thermal power plant will increase.