Energy is the most important input for development. Energy is among the basic needs and its demand is increasing day by day. Developing technology has made us dependent on energy. Even in the production and transportation process of the food we consume, we need a large amount of energy, especially electrical energy. As a result of the energy crisis, which was increasing its effects, part-time work was started in many factories, especially in China. This situation caused a contraction in world trade by creating problems in the supply chain of raw materials and final goods. This situation has revealed the vital importance of energy in the New World. In addition, the damage caused by carbon emissions to the environment has reached serious dimensions today. A large part of carbon emissions in the energy sector is the result of the use of fossil resources, and as energy consumption increases, carbon emissions increase gradually. As a result of the burning of fossil fuels, which are used as energy sources, solid and gaseous wastes occur. Since these wastes cannot be recycled, they cause environmental pollution. With carbon capture, storage and clean coal technologies, which are some of the R&D activities, the damage to the environment and gas emissions is tried to be reduced. But, CO2 emissions from energy are still gradually increasing. The CO2 emissions in Turkey, which was 220 million tons in 1990, reached 520 million tons in 2020.
Fossil Fuels and Renewables
There are two main sources of energy; fossil fuels and renewable sources. Almost all of the energy in the United States and other industrialized countries is derived from fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. These fossil fuels are used regardless of whether they harm the environment or how the energy is produced. Renewable energy sources constantly renew themselves and are less polluting. These sources do not contain CO2 like fossil sources. Solar, wind, biogas, geothermal and hydroelectric energies are the main types of renewable energy sources. The main advantage of renewable energy sources, also known as natural energy sources, is that they can be found all over the world in their geographical and geopolitical conditions. Since they are common resources, countries do not need to import them, these resources alleviate the problem of foreign dependence on energy. Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the atmospheric carbon dioxide level has been constantly increasing. As a result of economic developments, this process is developing even faster. Significant climate changes are observed with the increase in the atmosphere of certain gases, especially carbon gas. Renewable energy technologies produce very low or near zero gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. Renewable energy technologies include hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, waste energy and biogas energy. International Energy Agency expects a 70% increase in oil demand and a 130% increase in carbon emissions by 2050. In energy production and consumption, the vast majority of carbon emissions that cause the greenhouse effect result from the use of fossil fuels. For this reason, a tax policy that will reduce the use of fossil fuels and encourage the use of renewable energy sources that do not harm the environment instead of fossil resources will contribute to the reduction of environmental waste.
Carbon Emissions
In the 1980s, with global climate change reaching a point that everyone understand and realize, energy-economy-environment issues began to be mentioned together. Since the 1980s, 3E (Energy, Economy, Environment) has been thought about energy-economy-environment around the world, as climate changes necessitate some limitations and regulations. Various models, approaches and obligations have emerged. In this context, with the meetings held in Rio de Janeiro and Kyoto, some regulations and obligations regarding emissions to the atmosphere and environmental pollution have been introduced.
Solar Energy and Reducing CO2 Emissions
Solar energy is one of the cleanest energy sources. Solar power is the key to reducing global carbon emissions. Homes, businesses and organizations can meet their electricity needs with solar power systems installed on the roof or land. Meeting their energy needs without creating emissions is a priority of companies with social responsibility awareness. With the introduction of the carbon border adjustment tax, every exporting company will have to control its carbon emissions. The installation capacity of solar power in Turkey is increasing every year. SPP supports also played a large part in the rapid increase in Solar Power Plants. Companies with social responsibility awareness not only erase their carbon footprints in their energy use but also waive their electricity bills by producing their energy.
Renewable Energy and Reducing Carbon Emissions in Turkey
In a study, the effect of renewable energy consumption in Turkey on carbon emissions was analyzed for the period 1990-2012. According to the results of the analysis, it has been concluded that the increases in GDP per capita have a positive relationship with carbon emissions per capita and a negative relationship between renewable energy consumption per capita and carbon emissions per capita. In addition, it has been concluded that an increase in income increases carbon emissions. Turkey is a country with high potential in terms of renewable energy resources. Turkey has an important position, especially in the fields of hydraulic energy, wind energy, solar energy and geothermal energy. Renewable energy sources should be used efficiently to reduce the damage caused by energy use to the environment. Various organizations around the world state that the number of greenhouse gases and carbon emissions in the air should be reduced by carrying out various activities to draw attention to climate change. Compared to fossil fuels, the carbon emission of the energy obtained from renewable energy sources to the environment is at low levels. In particular, the carbon emission of solar energy is close to zero. Therefore, Turkey should invest more in renewable energy technologies and programs for the development of renewable energy technologies should be supported by authorized institutions. Organizations related to the energy market in Turkey carry out some studies for the creation of renewable energy policies. In this context, the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources aimed to increase the share of renewable energy resources in the energy supply. For this purpose, various strategies have been determined.
BEYZANUR BULUT
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