Amid the dominance of gas in its energy mix, Turkey has bound its energy future to coal, with plans to double its coal-fired electricity supply by 2019.
The IEA said its coal plan would require further investment in clean coal technologies and the swift refurbishment of old plants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb air pollution in Turkey.
“With more energy efficiency and renewable energy, cleaner coal and nuclear can be part of a secure and low carbon mix, but the legal frameworks must be put in place to ensure high standards of environmental performance and safety,” IEA executive director Dr Fatih Birol said.
In a report on Turkey’s energy sector, the IEA said “clear and long-term targets” for renewables and energy efficiency, faster permitting procedures and enhanced grid integration rules could ensure long-term sustainable economic growth in Turkey.
The IEA said Turkey setting an emission reduction goal for the first time ahead of the COP21 talks in Paris last November was “commendable”.
However, Climate Action Tracker called it “inadequate”, as Turkey’s greenhouse gas reduction target of up to 21% below business as usual by 2030 was still equivalent to a 389% increase on 1990 levels, or a 110% increase on 2012 levels.
Natural gas accounts for 40% of Turkey’s electricity generation and gas demand has more than doubled in a decade, outpacing electricity growth. During that time Turkey’s GDP rose by 230% and energy demand had grown by 6-7% annually.
