Turkey continues to support new hydroelectric plants

Turkey will continue to support the construction of hydroelectric power plants also taking into account environmental issues, according to the Turkish Minister of Forest and Water Affairs.

The minister, Veysel Eroglu, and Akif Ozkaldi, the director general of state hydraulic works, spoke on Tuesday after participating in a fast-breaking meal during the holy month of Ramadan.

"Hydroelectric power plants are the insurance of Turkey's electricity," Eroglu said.

He said hydroelectric power plants are cheap sources of energy and generate at least one fourth of Turkey's total electricity production.

"There are some criticisms regarding hydroelectric power plants, we are aware of them, but we are ready to give all our support to contractors for construction of the plants. We will do this within an environmental perspective," he added.

Hundreds of hydroelectric power plants are being built on almost all of the main rivers in a push to make Turkey a world economic power. Environmentalists throughout the country, however, are concerned about the impact on biodiversity and cultural heritage, in the name of energy security.

Ozkaldi the director general of state hydraulic works, said the Turkish Parliament passed a law on Tuesday requiring the ministry of environment and forestry to inspect the private hydroelectric power plants faster and more effectively.