The ımportance of renewable energy sources ın decreasıng external energy dependence of Turkey

Nowadays, in parallel with expansion of the production of goods and services, the demand for energy is increasing. The demand for energy will remain important as long as there is life in the world. Fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas), which meet an important part of existing energy demand, are not unlimited energy sources in meeting infinite needs. In addition, the countries experiencing difficulties regarding the presence of fossil fuels have to bear high costs in accessing to this source. In this case, regarding economical growth of countries, renewable energy sources, which will take the place of fossil fuels, appear to be highly necessary.Not having sufficient amount of fossil fuel sources to meet the increasing demand for energy, Turkey became an external dependent country in energy bearing high costs. Turkey can decrease its external dependence with sustainable energy policies and R&D studies regarding the use of renewable energy sources in which it has a wide range of resource potential. The aim of this study is to put forth the importance of eco-friendly renewable energy sources for Turkey which can be substituted for fossil fuels with their unlimited life and low cost. In the first chapter the definitions of energy sources, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages are given. In the second chapter, in terms of the world and Turkey, the potential of renewable energy sources, installed capacity and investment costs were investigated. And in the last chapter, production, consumption, import shares and investment costs of fossil fuels and renewable sources of energy were analyzed in comparison.