Responsibilities in the Administration
Public administration
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR)
The MENR was founded (re-organized) in 1985 by the Law No: 3154.
The main duties are as follows:
- determine the energy and natural resources requirements of Turkey
- development and implemention of national energy policies, plans and programs
- conducting surveys to improve the utilization of energy and natural resources
All of these activities are in close cooperation with other related institutions and other public and private entities. The main objective of the Ministry is focused on meeting the ever increasing energy demand in a reliable, sufficient and timely, economic and environmentally sound manner in order to realize the economic and social development targets.
The General Directorate of Energy Affairs (EIGM)
The EIGM is the main policy making body within MENR, and is in charge of carrying out all studies of MENR related to Energy Policies and Coordination. The EIGM is responsible for the coordination of the energy policy measures, natural gas and electricity sector reform programs. It conducts long term energy planning and develops different policy scenarios. Furthermore, it is also responsible for general studies on energy and environmental policies, renewable and energy efficiency. This Directorate has different divisions to coordinate studies between related organizations.
The General Directorate of Electrical Power Resources Survey and Development Administration (EIE)
The functional responsibilities of the EIE (established already in 1935) of the MENR has been extended in order to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
While the MENR is responsible for formulating the policies and the supervision of their implementation within the context of national energy policies, EIE is responsible for the implementation and coordination of the energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
The EIE carries out trainings, energy auditing, legislation preparation and public awareness raising campaigns for enhancing energy efficiency in all end-use sectors. It has also already conducted research studies on renewable energy (mostly wind and solar energy since 1980). EIE’s main focus for energy efficiency is on industry and the building sector (mainly for audits, benchmarking studies, public awareness programs, training of energy managers and technical person).
Furthermore, EIE is conducting surveys to develop small hydro plants at 26 river basins in Turkey. Additionally, EIE has been conducting energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Turkey in cooperation with international donor organizations such as the World Bank, EU and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Energy Efficiency Co-ordination Board (EECB)
The EECB is a central body under the Energy Efficiency Law of May 2008. It consists of high level representatives from all ministries concerned with energy efficiency, as well as representatives from NGO’s and the private sector.
EECB is chaired by the deputy undersecretary of MENR. EECBs main functions are to:
- prepare EE strategies
- decide on EE policies
- assign responsibilities for implementation
EIE is acting as the secretary to the board, preparing the agenda and proposals, policy drafts, and responsible for interdepartmental communication.
Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF)
The Ministry of Environment was established by Decree Law No: 443 in 1991, with the aim to protect the environment and was later merged with the Ministry of Forest in May 2003. The Ministry is responsible for the coordination of all national and international activities in regard to the environment. The main duties of the Ministry include:
- drafting laws
- rules and national regulations (prevention of pollution and conservation of plant and animal species)
- supervising and planning of environmental designs
- creating environmental policies and strategies
- conducting research and collecting environmental data
- conducting public awareness raising campaigns
- applying measurements and monitoring compliances
- carrying out trainings
MoEF also issues environmental licenses and is responsible of the enforcement of environmental legislation. It has 81 provincial branches. Within the MoEF there are departments related to the energy sector responsible for emission control and environmental impact assessment.
The respective General Directorates (DG) perform activities on:
- environmental protection and control of air pollution and
- environmental impact assessments and planning.
The MoEF is responsible for legislation on air quality, of course integrating the issues of climate change/GHG emissions. A National Communication on climate change which is an obligation laid down in the UNFCCC has been prepared by a committee composed of eight working groups and was issued in January 2007 by the MoEF.
The Ministry of Public Works and Settlement
The General Directorate of Construction Affairs is the main body in the Ministry of Public Works and Settlement (MPWS) which is responsible for preparing regulations on building insulation and monitoring/inspecting of their implementation. It is also responsible for the assessment and determination of requirements for public organizations regarding buildings and other facilities, architectural and engineering projects, tendering, controlling and technical acceptance of construction and retrofitting activities of public buildings. The MPWS is preparing an energy performance building regulation. It is expected to be enforced by the end of 2008.
Inspections of private new buildings are carried out by so-called Building Inspection Agencies, which are under the control and inspection of the municipalities (developed after the 1999 earthquake when monitoring became stricter). These agencies are authorized by the MPWS.
Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIT)
The Ministry has the following directorates (each has its own budget) within its body:
- DG Measurement & Standards - is responsible for implementation of standards
- DG Protection of Consumers - is responsible for information on labelling and other EE-related issues for consumers
- DG Industry - is responsible for labelling preparation
- DG Industrial Research & Development - is responsible for providing incentives to companies establishing new plants in developing regions in Turkey.
The Ministry has regional offices (Provincial Directorates of Industry) and the inspectors work at these regional offices controlling the standards in the market.
In the new energy law numbered 5627, MIT is also responsible to regulate the minimum efficiency standards for boilers, burners, individual heaters, electrical motors, household equipments, air conditioners and lamps.
State Planning Organization (SPO, DPT)
The State Planning Organization is an advisory body of the Government, under the Prime Minister. SPO is responsible for the development of a 5 year national development program, decisions on public investments, decisions on macro level policy and indicators, and the approval of foreign credits. All governmental institutions (at national and local level) have to ask SPO for approval of their proposed investment projects. There are various DG’s within SPO and within the SPO the General Directorate of Economical Sectors and Coordination is engaged in the energy sector programming. In practice, its major activities concerning the energy sector are the preparation of the five year development plans together with the MENR and the MIT and preparing some inputs for energy demand projections.
Energy related organisations
World Energy Council Turkish National Committee (WEC TNC)
WEC TNC’s mission is to promote the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all people. The Committee was founded in 1949 as the first NGO in Turkey. Among the main activities of WEC TNC is the collection of data, undertaking studies and surveys on energy supply and consumption and consequently publish or disseminate the results of these studies, as well as undertake actions (including but not limited to the holding of Congresses, workshops and seminars).
Turkiye Cogen Association
Turkiye Cogen Association was founded in 1998. Its principal goal is to work towards the wider and true use of cogeneration in Turkey for a sustainable energy future . Turkiye Cogen Association is a member of The European Association for the Promotion of Cogeneration.
Clean Energy Foundation (TEMEV)
Clean Energy Foundation is an organization established in 1994 by individuals and organizations who recognized the importance of supporting studies in regard to clean and renewable energy sources, more efficient use of energy and energy conservation
Wind Power and Hydropower Plants Businessmen’s Association (RESSIAD)
The mission of the Association is to increase collaboration and coordination between business stakeholders who are working in the field of producing water turbines and wind mill machinery, and power plant construction to expand the utilization of wind and hydraulic energy resources for generating electrical energy.
Geothermal Association of Turkey (TJD)
This non-governmental organization was founded in 1992 to encourage research, development and utilization of geothermal resources of Turkey in order to contribute to the fields of industry, technology, tourism, health and economy of the country through the compilation, publication and dissemination of scientific and technical data and information, both within the community of geothermal specialists and between geothermal specialists and the general public. TJD is a member of IGA-International Geothermal Association since 1998.
Alternative Energy and Biodiesel Producers Union (ALBIYOBIR)
Albiyobir was founded in 1992 to promote alternative energy sources and bio-diesel. The main objectives of the Union are to encourage standard production of biodiesel in Turkey and to supply validated information to the members and public on bio-diesel.
Eurosolar Turkish European Association for Renewable Energies
Eurosolar Turkish European Association for Renewable Energies was founded in 2000 as the Turkish Branch of the mother organization, European Association for Renewable Energies. Its aim, as defined in the Charter of Eurosolar, is to encourage and facilitate the substitution of fossil fuels and nuclear energy with renewable energy.
Directorate of Small and Medium-Sized Industries Improvement and Support Administration (KOSGEB)
KOSGEB is a governmental organization under the MIT, with several sub offices in Turkey and it has been working in collaboration with companies for supporting them with its high level technical expertise. KOSGEB is also conducting several R&D support programs in close cooperation with universities. In this scope, a Technical Development Centre has been established with the collaboration of eighteen universities. The most important fields are: biotechnologies, genetics, design, material, information and communication, mechatronics, nano technologies, energy, environment and process technology.
The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey Marmara Research Institute TUBITAK MAM (in English TUBITAK MRC)
The Scientific and Technical Research Council of the Turkey Marmara Research Institute(TUBITAK MRC) was established in 1972 in Gebze. The Energy Systems and Environmental Research Institute (ESERI) was formed within MRC to conduct projects in the fields of energy and environmental technologies. In 2004 the Energy Technologies strategic business unit became the Energy Institute (EI).
The Turkish Standards Institute (TSE)
TSE has the functional responsibility for certification of products and processes in compliance with international norms. The applied certification procedure is adjusted to the international standards, and harmonized with EU standards. Energy aspects are handled in the Standard Preparation Groups such as, mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, natural gas, Petroleum, etc.
Union of Natural Gas Distribution Companies (GAZBIR)
GAZBIR was founded in September 2004 to perform all technical, legal and social activities within the context of its objectives and goals, including to protect the rights of its members, integration with the world natural gas markets and to perform activities which will serve to develop the natural gas market. GAZBIR is a non profit national association in which currently 52 licenced natural gas distribution companies are being represented. Today 58 city distribution licenses have been given and above 40 cities have started to use natural gas.
Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK)
The Authority is responsible for determining the basis of the national policy and the related plans and programs regarding the utilization of nuclear energy. TAEK also gives approvals, permissions and licenses related to the site selection, construction, and operation of nuclear installations. executes and supports research, analyses and studies related with the utilization. TAEK is the responsible organization for nuclear safety and also has the responsibility for enhancing nuclear related activities in Turkey. There is currently no regulatory agency for nuclear power and it is envisaged to establish a separate regulatory body through restructuring TAEK.
Electric Energy Producers Association (EUD)
The EUD of Turkey represents 35 private companies which generate ~ 20% of Turkey’s total electricity supply, whose yearly generation is around 30 TWh. The main objective of EUD is to lobby in order to protect the rights of its members and consumers, to develop strategy integration with the electricity markets and to sustain professional discipline and ethics.
Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)
TOBB, is the largest professional organization congregating the entire business community with a membership of 1,3 million from all sectors and parts of the country, from small to large-scale enterprises, from domestic to foreign companies and covering 365 Chambers and Commodity Exchanges. The main function of TOBB is lobbying. In 2003, TOBB established the university of Economy and Technology in Ankara. TOBB is also member of Energy Efficiency Coordination Board.
Union of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB)
TMMOB was established in 1954 by a law as a corporate body and a professional organization defined as a public institution. The Union has 23 Chambers and 280.300 registered members throughout the country. TMMOB is one of the members of the Energy Efficiency Coordination Board. Furthermore, two Chambers of TMMOB, the Mechanical Engineers and Electrical Engineers were indicated as the authorized organizations to carry out energy management trainings and to assign and monitor ESCOs by EE Law.
State Hydraulic Works (DSI)
DSI is the state water agency responsible for the development of all water resources in the country. DSI implements surface and ground water projects and plans, designs, constructs and operates dams and hydroelectric power plants for multi-purpose use.
Energy related funds and programmes
Turkish Technology Development Foundation (TTGV)
TTGV was established in 1991 for the purpose of increasing the industrial sector's awareness for R&D and for supporting technology development projects with the financial assistance of the Undersecretariat of Treasury via the resources allocated by the World Bank. TTGV is an independent non-profit organization established jointly by the private and public sectors. In recent years, TTGV have been implementing a soft loan program for environment, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
