Generating electricity in the TRNC
Cyprus International University (CIU) Faculty of Engineering Faculty Member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Özyurtkan stated that the fuel known as “No: 6 Fuel Oil” is used in the TRNC, but this fuel contains 3% sulfur, it creates environmental pollution.
Reminding that the majority of the electricity production of the TRNC is based on fuel obtained from fossil fuels, Özyurtkan said, “This fuel contains 3% sulfur. In Turkey, however, within the scope of integrated environmental pollution control, fuel containing 1% sulfur is used to reduce industrial air pollution and this is in line with large combustion plants regulations which limit emissions from facilities.
Özyurtkan stated that according to research, it was determined that in some countries there was an increase in respiratory diseases and cancer cases especially among those people living within the vicinity of big ports, and said that the sulfur content of the fuels used in ships was reduced in accordance with the regulations made by the International Maritime Organization.
Özyurtkan also said that some refineries made statements that the production of this fuel will be completely stopped in some refineries by the end of 2023 in line with the decisions taken by the European Commission, and that in others this would be in or after 2030. "This problem can be solved by flue gas treatment, and may require additional investments, but it is costly. Instead, the transition to electricity generation using alternative fuels should be considered.”
Pointing out that there will be two important situations about this fuel used for electricity production in the TRNC, Özyurtkan said, "The first is environmental problem, and the other is the issue of what to do in order not to have problems in electricity production in case the supply of this fuel stops or decreases."
Özyurtkan also atated that energy production from the fuel used in the country cannot be in the long run the sole solution to meet the energy demand, and that energy diversity is needed to meet the energy demand in the TRNC.
Özyurtkan noted that alternative renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, can be used, that the current facilities that generate electricity from solar energy can be increased; that energy production from wind, wave and current movements can be taken into consideration, and also reminded that research on potential geothermal and hydrocarbon sources can be carried out in their respective terrestrial regions.
Emphasizing that the TRNC needs fuels that will not cause health or environmental problems in order to meet its energy needs, Özyurtkan said, "Also, ensuring energy diversity is important in terms of supplying energy securely."