The Power import in Turkey reached 1,888 GWh in 2020
The indicator recorded a historical decline at a CAGR of 12% between 2017 to 2020
Why did the power import in Turkey decline in 2020?
Electricity imports with neighboring countries saw fluctuations but grew overall between 2000 and 2020. Electricity imports and exports witnessed a decline during 2008 due to the global economic crisis, but electricity exports started recovering again from 2009. During 2011 to 2016, electricity exports were more or less the same whereas electricity imports observed a significant increase. The sudden rise in electricity imports can be attributed to the rapid increase in electricity consumption and a slow growth in electricity generation. Both thermal power and hydropower generation has shown slow growth during past few years including a decline in thermal power generation in 2013, 2015, and 2019 and a decline in hydropower generation in 2014 and 2017.
Increased use of thermal resources in power generation has been a cause of concern for the government, as indigenous thermal fuel reserves are depleting rapidly. Turkey is also becoming increasingly dependent on imports to meet its energy demand. An increase in thermal power plants will make it difficult for Turkey to meet its targets for renewable energy generation and carbon emission reduction.
Why Turkey imports electricity?
Turkey’s increasing reliance on fossil fuels for power generation could endanger its energy security. It does not have sufficient domestic reserves and might have to become more dependent on imports, thus exposing itself to global price fluctuations and political disturbances, which can disrupt supply. Furthermore, the use of higher levels of fossil fuels would increase emissions and lead to penalty payments for power generation companies.
Another challenge is the energy shortage during winters, when demand for energy tends to be high in Turkey. The country has to implement load shedding to manage the high electricity demand. Rapid capacity addition in renewable sector is the need of the hour in Turkey. This will not only reduce the country’s fossil fuel imports but will also ensure uninterrupted power supply during peak periods.
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