Turkey: Environmental Law

Hydroelectric power plants (HPP) play a central role in Türkiye’s renewable energy strategy due to their low operating costs compared to fossil fuels, long operational lifespans, high efficiency rates, and clean structure that does not produce atmospheric emissions. The first planning and investments for hydroelectric energy production in Türkiye began in 1950’s, and historically, the majority of these investments have been carried out by the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ).

Yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarının elektrik üretimindeki payının artırılması, son yirmi yılda Türkiye'nin enerji politikalarının temel önceliklerinden biri hâline gelmiştir

Turkey Amends Title Deed, Condominium, Zoning and Building Inspection Laws. The Law No. 7579 Amending the Law on Title Deed No. 2644 and other Laws was published in the Official Gazette No. 33261 dated 22 May 2026.

In this process, Turkish energy legislation has not been limited to regulations that merely incentivize renewable energy investments; it has developed comprehensive regulations in many areas, such as the licensing of production activities, grid connection, land-use permits, environmental obligations, support mechanisms, and integration into the electricity market.

Mining is a sector of strategic importance to the Turkish economy; however, it is also one of the fields of activity capable of generating significant environmental impacts.

Madencilik sektörü, Türkiye ekonomisi açısından stratejik öneme sahip olmakla birlikte, çevre üzerinde önemli etkiler yaratabilen faaliyet alanlarından biridir.

İklim değişikliğiyle mücadele, son yıllarda yalnızca çevre politikalarının değil, aynı zamanda ekonomik ve hukuki düzenlemelerin de merkezine yerleşen önemli bir konu haline gelmiştir. Bu dönüşümün en önemli araçlarından biri karbon fiyatlandırma mekanizmalarıdır.

Turkey has introduced significant amendments to its Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation, fundamentally restructuring the EIA decision-making system and evaluation procedures.

Turkey's 2026 fishing ban period is set to begin, implementing crucial restrictions on commercial fishing activities to protect marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable fish populations. The regulations establish specific timeframes and zones where fishing is prohibited, balancing environmental conservation with the economic interests of the fishing industry.