THE IMPORTANCE OF DAMS FOR TURKEY

» It has been observed that a systematic campaign against dams under planning stage and construction are being carried out. Ignoring the causes of these, I would like to reconcile myself to the emphasis of dam constructions in our country.

» It is known that rainfalls in our country change from one region to another. In addition they show seasonal fluctuations. For example annual precipitation is 2500 mm in East Karadeniz region whereas it drops to 250 mm in Middle Anatolia. Seasonal fluctuations are also high. Rainfall intensity are much lower in summer when it is most needed than in winter.

» Because of this situation, it is necessary to store rain water in dam reservoirs for usage in summer. In other words you will store it in winter and use it in summer. This is geographical aspect of the situation. Another point is usability of dams for multipurpose.

These are;

• supplying cities with drinking and domestic water

• supplying industrial water

• hydroelectric power generation

• flood protection

• regulating river flows

• protection against damages of floods

• producing fisheries

• recreational usage etc…

» It is also a known fact that dams cause climate changes in their vicinities. Especially a change to a relatively temperate climate if it is a region of severe continental climate.

» A short explanation about the benefits given under main heading above are as follows:

 

	CITIES' NEED FOR DRINKING AND DOMESTIC WATER

» Demands for drinking and domestic water of cities increase in proportion with increasing population and welfare level. Providing its citiziens with sufficient and healthy water is one of the most important duties of the government. In the past suffering of people of İstanbul from shortage of water was the subject of comic strips. Unlike Paris and Roma, which are built along rivers, because there is not a river flowing through İstanbul it is necessary to bring water from its vicinity. If there were not 14 dams supplying water to İstanbul, 7 of which are located on Istranca Mountain Chains, we would have to look for water in İstanbul with magnifying lenses today. Concisely it would be a city where it is hard to survive. Thanks to dams, there is water in big cities like Ankara, İzmir, Bursa.
 

	INDUSTRIAL WATER SUPPLY

» Water is indispensable for industrial production. Thus, demand of industrial water is supplied from large and small dams to a great extent.
 

	IRRIGATION WATER

» There are economically irrigable 8,5 million hectares land in Turkey. Irrigated agriculture leads to between 5-fold and 14-fold increase in income in comparison to dry farming. Lands where barley-wheat are cultivated with dry farming can also be used for crops like cotton, potatoes and corn. Water enrichs soil. Irrigation water is mostly supplied from large and small dams constructed on rivers.
 

	HYDROELECTRIC POWER GENERATION

» Hydroelectric energy plays a key role in benefiting from water resources economically. Hydroelectric energy is not dependent on external resources because it is produced by employing domestic resources. The importance of hydroelectric energy has become obvious nowadays because petrol prices have increased sharply. Because of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine about natural gas is a case to be focused on. If you make energy, which is important for economical and social life in your country, dependent on external resources, then your demand might not be met when you needed it most.

» Electricity consumption is an indicator of level of economical development of a country. In 2005, electricity consumption per capita is 2100 kWh in Turkey whereas it is 9000 kWh in developed countries, 12000 kWh in countries like USA and Canada.

» In 2005, 160,332 billion kWh electricity was consumed in Turkey. Electricity consumption has been increasing 6 %-8% annually. In other words there is an avarage increase of 7 % per year. Therefore, it is estimated that demand will be approximately 225 billion kWh by 2010, 440 billion kWh in 2020.

» Because industrilization is a target for economic and social development of our country, it is essential to supply this energy needed by industry and other consumers:

• on site
• timely
• reliably
• economically

» Hydroelectric energy is a kind of energy which can be put into use immediately at peak hours. In addition it helps to prevent sudden change of electricity prices. In other words operation costs much lower in comparison to others. Although it is claimed that investment costs are a little bit higher than those of natural gas plants, annual investment cost is actually much lower taking into account very long life spans of dams, 100-200 years e.g.

» Tecnically available hydroelectric potential of our country is 216 billlion kWh/year, tecnically and economically usable hydroelectric potential is about 130 billion kWh/year.

» There are 137 hydroelectric power plants (HEPP) in operation today. These 137 HEPPs have a total installed capacity of 12846 MW and annual avarage power generation capacity of 45 billion kWh. Therefore 35 % of the economic potential and 21 % of the technical potential is in use. This percentage has reached about 80 % in countries like USA, Canada and Norway. Annual loss because of hydroelectric potential which has not been fully utilized is about 5 billion-6 billion dollars.

» As a result, it is time to take action to start making use of our hydroelectric potential so that we will not suffer from a possible energy shortage in 2008-2009..
 

	FLOOD PROTECTION

» There are serious loss of lives and properties because of floods. Dams help protect against floods by storing water in rainy seasons and regulating water flow properly.

» Dams are necessary for regulation of river flows and protection against damages due to floods.
 

	FISHERY PRODUCTS

» Considerable income increases are brought about by fishing in dam reservoirs. Especially, people living in Central and East Anatolia, which are far away from coasts are provided the oportunity to eat fish. I remember the joy of eating fish in our district where there is a habit of eating meat, when my father brought carps from Şuhut-Selevir Dam to home.

» 28 million fry (baby fish) were bred in 8 fishery products facilities of DSI, namely İzmir (Ürkmez), Adana (Seyhan), Elazığ (Keban), Şanlıurfa (Atatürk Barajı), Bolu (Gölköy), Amasya (Yedikır), Edirne (İpsala), Sivas (Çamlıgöze).
 

	RECREATIONAL USAGE

» Dams vitalize their environments. Recreational fields, green areas and forests near dams are popular excursion spots for people living in close vicinity.

» It is known that dams have a positive effect in making the climate of their vicinities temperate.

» There are some drawbacks such as; people who have to abondon their domiciles, historical artifacts and some farming land which will be under water. But, benefits can compensate for these drawbacks.
 

	CONCLUSION

» In Turkey, dams are necessary for hydroelectric power generation, supplying cities with domestic and industrial water. Because of geographical location of our country and climate conditions dams are indispensible to supply water. If we can not use our waters as a source of hydroelectric power generation, then we become dependent on external resources. In addition there are a lot of benefits to be made such as supplying irrigation water from dams, flood protection and fisheries.

» As a result it is crucial to make use of full water potential as soon as possible. It is necessary not to recognize views of those who object to dams for an indecent intention or because of ignorance.

» We must not forget that dams are stabilizers for electricity prices, assures of supplying water to cities, structures for supplying vital water for agriculture. Wishing the building of the remaining dams and HEPP’s as soon as possible…

Prof. Dr. Veysel EROĞLU
Director General of DSI