Assessment of institutional and policy conditions in Turkey: implications for the implementation of autonomous desalination systems

This paper provides an overview of the existing situation in Turkey and studies how this could become more attractive for the implementation of autonomous desalination systems (ADS). The analysis covers relevant policy and programmes, legislation and administrative procedures, water prices and subsidies, institutional framework of the water sector, capacity building and general awareness. In general, the framework conditions in Turkey are relatively good. The policy direction towards decentralisation will favour ADS. Many programmes offer support for water supply and renewable energy and there are simplified administrative procedures. On the other hand, water policy favours traditionally centralised conventional solutions. The awareness about ADS is very low and the research in the field still restricted. In this paper, concrete recommendations have been developed that suggest simple steps for the establishment of ADS in Turkey.

In general, the framework conditions in Turkey are relatively good and do not pose unnecessary barriers for the implementation of ADS. The policy trend is for decentralisation and involvement of the private sector in water supply, which are expected to favour ADS suitable. There are various programmes that offer support for the implementation of water supply and renewable energy works, especially in the rural areas. In addition, there are regulations that foresee simplified administrative procedures for small water supply units and renewable energy systems. On the other hand, there are various facts that hinder the fast ADS development, as the general water policy and the personnel in the responsible authorities are traditionally oriented towards centralised conventional solutions. Furthermore, a new programme intending to support the development of the tourism industry offers incentives that are counter-productive and not in-line with the water and energy set policy objectives. The awareness about ADS is very low and the research in the field still restricted. A lot of work has to be done to improve the framework conditions. In this paper, concise recommendations have been developed that suggest simple steps for the establishment of ADS in Turkey. These recommendations cover many different fields and have to be realised by coordinated and targeted activities that involve various actors. In order to bring together the critical mass required for these activities international cooperation is necessary among all parties that have similar objectives, from NGOs that advocate sustainable development to companies that produce the technology and researchers active in the field.