Energy planning on a regional scale: The Southeastern Anatolia project

The underdeveloped southeastern region of Turkey represents an area as large as the Benelux countries but is rich in resources including the most economic hydropower in the country. A regional plan has been initiated to tap this resource, involving 13 hydroelectric and irrigation projects based on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The planned hydroelectric capacity is 7,600 MW and the total area to be irrigated is 1.6 million hectares. Inputs and outputs from the Southeastern Anatolia Project are discussed. The regional characteristics are described, including geography, demography, social structure, natural resources, and industry. The framework of planning activities is based on the state taking the lead in the project. Objectives of the project include the avoidance of energy-intensive industries, the utilization of energy produced within the region to catalyze regional development and minimize transmission losses, and the use of appropriate technology. 6 figs., 7 tabs