Hydroelectric potential and environmental effects of multidam hydropower projects in Turkey

In this study, the installation objectives and impacts of Turkey's two major multidam transboundary hydropower projects, Southeastern Anatolia (Euprathes and Tigris Rivers) and Northeastern Anatolia (Coruh River) Projects, are discussed. Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP) having 22 dams and 19 hydropower plants is the large-scale water management program aiming to increase the domestic electricity production and develop vast irrigation schemes for agriculture. Coruh River is the longest river in the east Black Sea region, having high economic importance to Turkey because of its largely undeveloped but economically exploitable hydropower potential. Coruh multiple dams project consists of 27 planned dams and hydroelectric power plants. Besides numerous expected benefits from these projects, also a multitude of substantial social, economic, and environmental impact potentials exist.In spite of numerous social and economic benefits experienced in the area in social and economic spheres due to the project, there is also a multitude of adverse impacts observed in the environment. In social and economic spheres, the land acquisition and resettlement of people are important issues. Large-scale irrigation causes salinization and leads to soil erosion; huge water reservoirs affect local climate and are a source of considerable amounts of pollution, including greenhouse gases. Changes in land use pattern carry potential to deprive plants and animals of their natural habitat. Moreover, urbanization and industrialization, following social and economical development, bring about increased pollution levels, degrading air and water quality.