Climate Action Tracker (CAT) has updated the climate action profile of Turkey and classified Turkey’s INDC targets as “Critically Insufficient”. The 1.5 degree Celsius compliant target emission level Turkey needs to pledge to the Paris Agreement by November 2030 is to be 357 MT while it is 905 MT at the moment. Turkey’s current policies scenario shows 836 Mt of CO2 emissions in 2030. However, this is still way too much higher than 357 MT. 

Turkey is investing in coal in parallel to these commitments which creates a contrast with its climate targets. Climate Action Tracker points out this dilemma and makes a remark on the renewable energy potential of the country; The ongoing decline in renewable energy technology and storage costs shows that reliable energy sources can be achieved with effective cost without resorting to coal-fired power plants. 

1. Fully Implement the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan

Turkish government committed to an investment $11 billion for energy efficiency measures under the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan. If the investment is fully implemented, Turkey’s emissions forecasts until 2030 under current policies are expected to decline between 7-11% rates. 

2. Stop Investment in Coal-Fired Power Plants and phase-out Existing Plants

Turkey still heavily depends on coal for its main source of energy. For example it imported nearly 37 million mt of hard v=coal in 2017. Coal emits a third of the country’s electricity, and emits a third of the country’s greenhouse gases. Turkey needs to turn away from its plan to double domestic coal-burning plants in 5 years. On the contrary Turkey urgently needs to develop and implement a coal phase-out plan.

3. Strengthen Investments in Renewable Energy

Turkey is investing in coal in parallel to these commitments which creates a contrast with its climate targets. Climate Action Tracker points out this dilemma and makes a remark on the renewable energy potential of the country; The ongoing decline in renewable energy technology and storage costs shows that reliable energy sources can be achieved with effective cost without resorting to coal-fired power plants. 

Activity Rating: **** Moving Ahead

National Energy Efficiency Plan should be implemented without any delay and Turkey should reconsider investments on coal-fired power plants due to the low calorific value of coal reserves in Turkey. Besides, Turkey has renewable energy potential for various renewable sources which has not been benefited properly. 

Please send the following message to the policymaker(s) below. 

We recommend that Ministry updates the greenhouse gas emissions pledge of Turkey to the Paris Agreement before November 2030. The updated pledge should be aimed at reaching a target of 357MTCO2. We recommend that you implement the following policies in order to reach this target: 

• National Energy Efficiency Plan commitment should proceed.
• Investments into coal-fired power plants should be reconsidered.
• Renewable energy potential of Turkey should be assessed and make use of these various sources and opportunities.

Send Action Alert Message to:

Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources

Address: Nasuh Akar Mah. Türkocağı Cad. No:2, 06520 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

Phone:  0312 212 64 20 – 7000 

Mail:ozelkalem@enerji.gov.tr