Ömer Yüksek

Small Hydropower Plants as a New and Renewable Energy Source

The inherent technical, economic, and environmental benefits of hydroelectric power make it an important contributor to the future world energy mix, particularly in the developing countries. Technically feasible hydropower estimated at nearly 15,000 TWh/yr still exists in the world today, mostly in countries where increased power supplies from clean and renewable sources are most urgently needed to progress social and economic development. This article deals with policies to meet increasing energy demand for electricity and domestic heating in Turkey. Air-pollutant emissions due to power generation and their harmful effects on the environment are also presented. We also argue in favor of small-scale dams for sustainable development. Turkey has a total gross hydropower potential of 433 GWh/yr, but only 125 GWh/yr of the total hydroelectric potential of Turkey can be economically used. By the commissioning of new hydropower plants, which are under construction, 36% of the economically usable potential of the country would be tapped. On the other hand, Turkeys total economically usable small hydropower potential is 3.75 GWh/yr.

Renewable Energy Sources in the European Union: Markets and Capacity

Abstract Renewable energy sources (RES) are essential to tackle climate change. Renewable energy (RE) technologies are uniquely well suited to respond to the limitations of current patterns of energy generation and consumption, to complement existing energy production systems, and to contribute to the further modernization of the energy sector. On the other hand, climate change is a major challenge to sustainable development worldwide and increasingly recognized by forward-looking political and business leaders. One of the tasks we are facing is a profound transformation of our energy system over the next few decades of replacing fossil fuels with REs and dramatically increasing energy efficiency. This article aims at giving a critical picture of the expenditures in research and development for RES in the EU-15 Member States. The European experience has shown that wind energy comprises today a reliable and cost-effective technology with positive effects on the reduction of CO2 emissions.

Coastal erosion in Eastern Black Sea Region, Turkey

Abstract Eastern Black Sea Region, located in the north east of Turkey, has been exposed to severe coastal erosion and shoreline recession for the last 30 years. One of the most important reasons for this problem is the response of the coast on man made activities. As a result of sand mining by people and municipalities, the coastal balance was broken. Another important cause is the construction of a highway by filled soil near the shore. The wave energy increases by reflected waves from these slopes and causes a seawardly sediment transport. Finally, the other important reason for erosion and recession is incorrect site selection, planning and design of coastal structures such as harbours and fishery harbours. In this study, general knowledge about wind data, wave hindcasts and sediment regimes of the Eastern Black Sea Region is introduced; the places in which coastal erosion is important are presented and some measures to diminish the erosion are studied. Possible remedies in order to re-establish the beaches are investigated and some design criteria are presented for various engineering structures to be planned against the erosion.

Perception of Flood Risk and Mitigation: Survey Results from the Eastern Black Sea Basin, Turkey

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate perceptions of flood risk and possible mitigation measures among residents of the Eastern Black Sea Basin, Turkey. A six-item questionnaire was administered to 897 people. The questionnaire comprised three sections soliciting information on previous flood experience, awareness and risk perception, and possible mitigation measures. Responses revealed most people had flood experience and believed their residences were at risk. Respondents expected loss of property and/or life during a potential flood event and thought that some measures could be taken to mitigate flood hazards. The most frequently mentioned measures to mitigate flood hazards were stream improvement, afforestation, prevention of settlement in streambeds, and infrastructure improvement. Many respondents believed the state, the municipality, and citizens were responsible for taking these measures. Significant differences were found between open-ended responses and respondent’s age, gender, and educationa...