Energy Efficiency Turkey

Energy efficiency is the reduction of energy consumed per unit of service or product without causing a reduction in living standards and service quality in buildings, and quality and amount of production in industrial plants. By using energy in an efficient manner for heating, lighting, transportation, household appliances, and in every stage of our everyday lives, we can contribute positively to our household budget, to national economy and to the protection of environment without cutting down on our needs. Being the most important source of energy, fossil fuels like petroleum and coal are rapidly depleting. Greenhouse gas emissions arising during the generation and consumption of energy are among the major reasons of global warming and climate change. From production to use of energy, it is essential to increase energy efficiency, prevent wastage and reduce energy density so that security of energy supply can be ensured, rate of import dependency (which is now at 73%) and the risks thereof can be reduced, and a more effective fight against climate change can be given. Our country is estimated to hold an energy-saving potential of 30% in the building industry, 20% in the production industry, and 15% in the transportation industry. For the purpose of making use of this potential and improving energy efficiency, Energy Efficiency Law of 2007, and the Regulation on Increasing Efficiency in the Use of Energy Sources and Energy of 2008 were enacted by our Ministry. Circular No. 2008/2 dated 15/02/2008 from the Office of the Prime Minister defines measures for the effective and efficient use of energy within public bodies and institutions. This Circular kicked off the “National Energy Efficiency Movement,” and announced year 2008 as the “Energy Efficiency Year.” Among measures that can help increase energy efficiency rapidly and effectively, priority is given to the replacement of incandescent bulbs used for lighting purposes with compact fluorescent lamps which are up to 5 times more energy-efficient. Circular No. 2008/19 dated 13/08/2008 obligated all public bodies and institutions, municipalities and professional chambers of public nature, within a period of one month, to replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs in places under their responsibility. Implementation of the Prime Ministry Circular throughout the country yielded to the replacement of a total of 1.828.742 incandescent bulbs with 1.758.954 efficient lamps. The amount of 11,5 million Turkish Liras spent on efficient lamps was amortized in 101 days. The reduction in electricity costs contributes to the budget by 41 million Turkish Liras every year. On the other hand, as a step of the “National Energy Efficiency Movement,” it was planned to initiate the "Hand-in-Hand for Energy Efficiency (ENVER) Movement" across all provinces starting from December 2008. Under the said movement, energy-efficient lamps were dispensed at primary schools, which was accompanied by awareness-raising activities. 4.800.000 lamps were dispensed in 43 provinces from December 2008 to April 2009. For industry sector, projects for increasing efficiency and voluntary agreements are still supported.