Protocol signed to increase domestic production

A research and development protocol was signed jointly by the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, Science, the Industry and Technology Ministry and the Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Turkey (TUBITAK) in order to increase domestic production in areas such as thermal and hydroelectric power station design, nuclear power station production and manufacturing technologies from renewable energy resources. As part of protocol, approximately 20 projects for the systems in different energy areas will be implemented in cooperation with the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAS), Electricity Generation Corporation (EUAS), Turkish Coal enterprises (TKI), Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK), Directorate General of Renewable Energy, Turkish Electromechanics Industry Corporation (TEMSAN), General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) and Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK). Speaking at the signature ceremony, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said that the protocol would be able to avoid imports totaling $15 billion only in wind energy. Speaking for his part, Industry Minister Nihat Ergun said Turkey aimed at increasing its per capita income to $25,000 corresponding to a production of $2 trillion and exports totaling $500 billion. "Such production could not be achieved without energy. Accordingly, it would be impossible without research and development, either." TUBITAK Chairman also made a statement, saying that that domestic production in energy would increase by a minimum of 20 percent in a decade thanks to the protocol.