Turkey has announced its National Energy Efficiency Action Plan for the 2017-2023 period ("Action Plan"). The Action Plan outlines 55 actions involving buildings and services, energy, transport, industry and technology, agriculture and other issues for horizontal sectors. It examines energy and natural resources, aiming to encourage Turkey's prosperity in the most efficient and environmentally conscious manner possible. The Action Plan aims to save 23.9 Million-Ton Equivalent of Petroleum from Turkey's primary energy consumption, via a strategy which includes $10.9 billion of planned investment.

Notable actions under the Action Plan include:

  • Buildings and Services:

    • Promoting use of central and district heating/cooling systems.
    • Expanding use of renewable energy and cogeneration systems in buildings.
  • Energy: Determining the potential of cogeneration and district heating/cooling systems, as well as preparing a Roadmap.
  • Transport:

    • Promoting energy efficient vehicles.
    • Reducing traffic intensity in cities; reducing car use.

Cogeneration and district heating/cooling systems are planned to become compulsory in new community buildings. To support renewable energy use, related administrative processes will be expedited for existing buildings.

Disincentives will be introduced to limit cars in city centers, including increased parking fees and installing automated parking alarm systems. National and international financial support will be sought to promote use of shared vehicles, as well encourage employees to use public transportation.

The High Planning Council decision number 2017/22 was published in Official Gazette number 30289 on 2 January 2018. Please see this link for the full text (only available in Turkish).

Information first published in the MA | Gazette, a fortnightly legal update newsletter produced by Moroğlu Arseven.

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