ABSTRACT
Introduction This chapter investigates the politics of energy procurement and consumption in Turkey within the context of sustainable development. It examines current and projected energy usage patterns against the backdrop of existing energy procurement strategies and their renewable alternatives. A key consideration in this regard is that Turkey is an energy-importing country: roughly three-quarters of its energy needs in 2003 were met through imports. Given its long-term plans for continued economic growth, even conservative projections that privilege efficiency gains over production increases create a scenario in which the energy needs of Turkey will far outweigh the existing productive capacity. In the words of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Hilmi Güler, therefore, the challenge facing Turkey is the creation of energy policies that ‘help realize economic growth, support and shape social development, while ensuring timely and secure supplies with a view to price competitiveness and environmental impact’ (Güler, 2004 (translation by authors)).
