THE IMPACTS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY LAW ON TURKISH WIND ENERGY SECTOR

Although the first wind turbine started operation in Turkey as early as 1998, virtually no significant progress has been achieved in the wind energy sector until 2006 due to the absence of a stable legal framework and an effective support mechanism. With the adoption of Renewable Energy Law into Turkish wind energy sector in May 2005 many foreign and local firms are interested in the developments of wind farms and applied to the Energy Market Regulatory Authority for a licence. Despite the fact the perspectives for the development of wind power in Turkey are becoming quite attractive, there are problems to be tackled. This paper provides an analysis of the technological background of Turkish wind energy sector and legislative framework.