A roadmap for the utilization of renewable energy sources for the sustainable development of Turkey's electricity energy system

Turkey’s achievement of sustainable energy goals can be realized through the enhancement of renewable energy capacity and the strategic integration of nuclear energy. This study aims to promote the use of renewable energy sources and evaluate the impacts of integrating nuclear energy into the energy system to support Turkey’s sustainable energy objectives. Within the framework of the Turkish National Energy Plan, two scenario groups covering the 2025-2050 period were developed using the EnergyPLAN simulation program (version 16.22). The first scenario group focuses solely on the gradual increase of renewable energy capacity, while the second scenario group examines the effects of nuclear energy on energy security and carbon emissions. The results indicate that, in scenarios without nuclear energy, CO₂ emissions decrease by 28%, whereas, with the integration of nuclear energy, this reduction reaches 39%. This comprehensive assessment provides important recommendations that contribute to Turkey’s energy security and sustainable development strategies.