Biomass for efficiency and sustainability energy utilization in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey’s renewable sources are the second largest source for energy production after coal. Energy supply and use is a national priority and a major focus of national, state, and local policy makers across the country. The impacts of climate change and the need to increase energy efficiency, reduce reliance on foreign oil, and address related international security threats are some of the issues driving the need for a new national energy policy and practice. Biomass energy, harvested from the nation’s lands and forests, has the potential to provide an important source of renewable, sustainable energy for the country. The yearly amount of usable biomass potential of Turkey is between 15-18 Mtoe. Since biomass energy will be used more and more in the future, its current potential, usage, and assessment in Turkey is the focus of the present study.