TÜREB: High wind energy supply decreased electricity costs

Turkish Wind Energy Association (TÜREB) President Mustafa Serdar Ataseven stated on Monday that strong winds during the year have led to a large accumulated supply of energy and noted that the high supply and low demand has driven electricity costs down. Ataseven continued: "If we increase the number of wind power plants, this could be reflected in lower energy costs for citizens because we use our own local resources. The base cost per kilowatt of wind power is 7.3 cents which is much lower than other energy sources." He also mentioned the recent draft document prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry which calls for 12 times higher payment from renewable energy companies who wants to build the plants on some public land, which acts as a disincentive. Ataseven also said, "There are currently 20 such projects valued at $43 million that are waiting for approval. If the draft is sanctioned, it will lead to the cancellation of all of these projects and reduced investments." Noting the government goal of meeting 30 percent of the nation's energy supply through renewable energy by 2023, Ataseven expressed concern that the draft contradicts those goals. He added that the increased use of wind energy plants has led to an increase in the production of industrial goods related to the sector, noting, "Turbine blades, towers and systems are already being produced in Turkey. As investments in wind energy increase, that industry will also benefit." He also emphasized that growth in the number of power plants would also contribute to employment. Ataseven said: "Each plant employs 20 to 25 people. When you add its construction phase as well as industrial production, it will mean that many more people will be employed by the sector. If we can assemble the plants, too, that will also create additional employment."  Ataseven said that as of the end of July, plants with the capacity to generate 2,700 megawatts of wind power have already been constructed and are in use in the country and that 2,000 megawatts of that capacity was built in the last four years. "Currently, more plants that can generate 750 megawatts of wind power are being installed and will become operational by the end of the year. We hope to increase this number exponentially, but if we come across limitations, we won't be able to reach our target. Reducing bureaucratic requirements will also help smooth the way for the sector. In order to reach to government's 2023 goals, we have to install plants with 1800 to 2000 megawatts of wind power each year."