Abstract:

Increasing energy need as a result of population growth is the major reason why countries are seeking new resources globally. Environmental pollution caused by fossil-fueled energy consumption and the decreases in fossil-based energy production have accelerated the orientation to renewable energy. Therefore, there is an emerging trend to produce energy by using natural resources including wind and solar as clean energy sources. With opportunities because of its geographical location, Turkey is one of the leading countries among top list in terms of wind and solar energy source for renewable energy production. Turkey has come progress in the use of this potential. However, despite this progress, it cannot be said that its current potential is fully utilized. This study conducts a research for the TR83 region, which includes Samsun, Çorum, Tokat and Amasya provinces within the Level 2 region in the context of Statistical Regional Units Classification (NUTS). The aim of the study is to determine the spatial location selection indicators in order to provide a sustainable environment for the installation of Wind Power Plants as being one of the renewable energy sources. In this context, by examining the site-oriented studies in the literature, the areas where a Wind Power Plant can be installed in the TR83 region were determined with some criteria including wind speed, distance from residential areas, land use, slope, bird migration routes, distance to lakes and water bodies, distance to the coastal edge line, obstacle areas, distance to transformer centers in the light of these criteria the mapping is prepared by using Geographical Information Systems. As a result of the study, it was determined that the existing WPPs were generally selected in accordance with the criteria. In the landscaping plans, the subject of energy was mentioned superficially, and statistical indicators and projection calculations for energy were not made. Besides, it has been concluded that the criteria, which are important in the selection of the location of the Wind Power Plants to be built, is required to comply with the zoning law numbered 3194 in terms of analysis, display technique and legal-administrative framework in the planning process.

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