Energy demand in Turkey to rise once crisis overcome

Speaking at a conference on international solar energy in Istanbul, Zachau said that Turkey has great potential in the area of renewable energy.

Zachau said he believes Turkey will make use of its resources efficiently.

Energy demand in Turkey declined in 2001 due to the financial crisis, Zachau said, adding that after the 2001 crisis however there has been an increase in energy demand.

Once the current financial crisis is over, within the next 12-18 months, the demand for energy in Turkey will rise just as it did after 2001, Zachau said.

Greenhouse gas emissions in Turkey will rise once the demand for energy increases, he also said.

"The energy capacity in Turkey is great from the perspective of renewable energy. Turkey has immense potential in the field of solar energy," Zachau added.

New investors in the field of solar energy will enter the Turkish energy market in the near future, Zachau said.

Ratification of the Kyoto protocol by Turkey will ensure the country is part of group of nations that have minimized greenhouse gas emissions, Zachau said.

The Kyoto protocol will serve the interests of Turkey, Zachau said.

Cooperation between the World Bank, the Turkish government and private sector in renewable energy will continue, Zachau also said.