Abstract:
The energy, which is of great importance for developed and developing countries has been an indispensable element for the countries with the industrial revolution. The main reason why energy is so important for countries is the increasing energy supply and demand. Since the demand for energy is on the constant rise as a result of industrialization, population growth and technological innovations, the fossil fuel supplies, limited in reserve, are on the constant decrease. Also, the CO2 emission, resulted from the use of fossil fuels, cause irreversible destruction on the ecological system. Because of all these reasons, the use of renewable energy sources should be encouraged for the continuity of the sustainable development. The aim of this study is to argue the contribution of renewable energy policies in Turkey in terms of sustainable growth through examining in detail the country's renewable energy potential and the policies for renewable energy sources. The study is composed of three sections. In the first section of the study, the definition and types of energy and its importance for sustainable development are presented. This section also includes the growth in demand and supply for fossil and renewable energy sources in the world. In the second section of the study, the balance of supply and demand in Turkey according to the type of energy is presented and the physical and economic potential of Turkey's renewable energy resources is questioned. Also, policies and incentives for the development of renewable energy sources are summarized. In the third and final section, the future macro-economic impacts of renewable energy policies in Turkey and their contributions to the sustainable economic development are examined.
