Energy security, energy consumption, and energy transition in emerging economies. The case of Turkey.

Abstract

Energy security, energy transition, and growth in energy consumption ara challenges facing emerging and developed economies around the world today. Since the industrial revolution in the 18th century, demand has grown unprecedentedly but hit several energy crises in the last 50 years, the idea of building robust energy security and supplying reliable, continous, and affordable energy to a country's population has become an issue of growing concern and research. This is also where the concept of energy independence and sovereignty comes in, as the growing dependence on foreign energy suppliers has created an energy system that is vulnerable to changes in international relations and conflicts, among other factors. In addition, awarness and commitment to the transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency have grown in recent years due to the current climate crises, and nations have joined together through treaties, international organizations, and agreements, setting targets and goals to reduce pollution and emissions. In this thesis, I will answer how Turkey's energy demand has evolved over the last 20 years, how it relates to GDP growth, how Turkey is adressing its energy security and energy independence, its cooperative role with the EU as an energy transit country, and how Turkey's energy transition to renewable energy is being managed.