An Overview of Turkey’s Offshore Wind Energy Potential Evaluations

Abstract

This paper deals the existing condition of wind energy in Turkey and mainly focuses on the development of the offshore wind power. Wind
energy potential and its feasibility in terms of techno-economic aspect, industrial progress and environmental concerns are studied. By 2015,
the total installed offshore wind power capacity of the World has reached 12 GW of capacity. Unfortunately, this is not the case in Turkey
because sufficient concerns are not given to the offshore technology and investments, although high potential of wind power density is available
on the shores of Turkey. Annual and cumulative comparisons of wind energy throughout the years are also discussed in the context of this study.
Territorial distribution of wind energy installations of Turkey is demonstrated that indicated offshore installations of wind power plants are also
appropriate for power generation. Comparisons of wind energy potential of Turkey with Europe indicate that Turkey has more wind power
potential both on land and sea; however, presently, installed wind power is less with respect to European countries. Potential of wind energy for
Turkey was estimated to be 48,000 MW approximately, but current installed power capacity is only 4,718 MW until 2015. It is already planned
in 2023 vision to attain 20,000 MW of wind power installments in Turkey where the share of wind power among the cumulative increases
with high percentage. Offshore wind power capacity of Turkey is predicted to be 11 MW. Land of Turkey is surrounded by seas on having
convenient opportunity in generating energy from available offshore wind power. But, there is no attempt regarding offshore wind power plant
installations, yet. Studies on this issue in Turkey are recent attempts and thus this study presents the assessment of available status of offshore
wind potential in Turkey.