Energy dependency, national security, and foreign policy

Our country, surrounded by seas on three sides, is also surrounded by rich energy resources on three sides. Therefore, whatever happens in our immediate vicinity, in the region we live in, or among our neighbors, it is directly related, to one degree or another, to the fierce competition being waged over energy resources and transit routes.  

Because energy security means national security. Experiencing problems in energy supply means facing issues not only in the economy, production, working life, heating, and lighting, but also in national security. It should not be forgotten that in the two major world wars humanity experienced in the last century, energy was one of the primary causes of the conflicts. 

Turkey's foreign dependency on energy is high, exceeding 95 percent for oil and natural gas. Moreover, this foreign dependency has increased and become even more entrenched with economic development and population growth. Furthermore, this foreign dependency has weakened Turkey's hand not only in economic terms but also in foreign policy, defense, and security. For this reason, while making the right choices in energy use, conscious consumption, conservation, and efficiency are important, it is equally important to utilize national resources more efficiently and to integrate alternative and renewable energy sources more extensively. 

Experts point out that fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are being rapidly depleted worldwide. Keeping in mind the competition in a sector that is immediately, rapidly, and significantly affected by economic crises, diplomatic turmoil, geopolitical tensions, and hot conflicts, they emphasize that oil reserves will be largely depleted between 2030 and 2050. When considering the size of the energy item in Turkey's imports and the fact that the high energy bill is the most significant cause of the current account deficit, it becomes clearer how important it is for Turkey to utilize its rich potential in wind and solar energy more extensively and consciously. 

Moreover, the share of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar in global energy consumption is increasing rapidly. Some experts predict that by 2030, the use of renewable energy will increase sevenfold in the US, 26-fold in China, 18-fold in India, and 3.5-fold in Europe. It is estimated that by 2030, half of the world's renewable energy production will be generated by wind energy.  

The more efficiently Turkey utilizes wind and solar power, the more money it will save. Its external dependency will decrease accordingly. It will better protect the environment, nature, and forests. Turkey must also use its water resources and lignite coal more consciously. It should be remembered that our country is among those consuming the most expensive energy in the world. It is projected that if disruptions in energy transmission, high rates of loss and theft, waste in energy consumption, and a lack of awareness regarding energy conservation are addressed, Turkey could save one-quarter of the energy it currently consumes.  

The construction of Turkey's first nuclear power plant in Mersin Akkuyu by the Russians, the training of the experts who will work there by the Russians, and the operation of the plant by the Russians for 20 years under the agreement between the two countries will result in Turkey becoming dependent on Russia for nuclear energy as well—a country on which it is already highly dependent for natural gas and oil imports. This inevitably means that Russia, as Turkey's number one energy supplier, will have influence over Turkey's economy, and consequently its politics, foreign policy, defense, and security. This dependency is one that must be opposed in both form and substance, just like US imperialism, NATO membership, or EU candidacy.