A Presidential Decision (“Decision”) was published in the Official Gazette on 18 September 2020, extending the Renewable Energy Resources Support Scheme (“YEKDEM”) deadline for the entry into service. Accordingly, electricity producers can benefit from YEKDEM scheme if the relevant renewable energy plant enters into service before 30 June 2021.
What is YEKDEM?
YEKDEM is the Turkish acronym for “Renewable Energy Resources Support Scheme”, which was set up to incentivize renewable energy production. Under the scheme, renewable energy plants such as wind, hydropower, geothermal, biomass and solar can qualify for feed-in tariffs. There are additional incentives if the mechanical and/or electro-mechanical components of the plant are manufactured domestically. The YEKDEM scheme provides minimum price application and guaranteed purchase of the generated electricity based on fixed price for a period of ten years. At present, there are 818 plants benefiting from the YEKDEM scheme, with a total electricity generation capacity of approx. 82,500 GWh.
Applying for the YEKDEM Scheme
Unlicensed producers can benefit from the YEKDEM scheme through their official suppliers. Licensed producers, on the other hand, must make an application to the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (“EMRA”). Prior to the Decision, the final date of application to YEKDEM scheme for licensed electricity producers was 02 November 2020, and the final deadline for the entry into service was 31 December 2020.
Many construction projects suffered delays due to COVID-19, including renewable energy plants. As a result of such delays, owners were running the risk of missing the deadline for the entry into service.
The Decision
The much-anticipated Decision extends the deadline for the entry into service of a renewable power plant by six months, moving the deadline to 30 June 2021. The Decision also provides guaranteed purchase of the generated electricity, based on fixed price until 31 December 2030. The additional incentives for plants with domestically manufactured the mechanical and/or electro-mechanical components are also extended for a period of 5 years, as of the entry into service.
It should be noted, however, that the Decision does not amend the final EMRA application date of 02 November 2020. Accordingly, YEKDEM applicants must submit applications to EMRA before 02 November 2020 to benefit from the YEKDEM scheme.
Conclusion
The Decision aims to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 on ongoing construction of renewable energy projects and provides a relief to owners. The Decision was welcomed in the renewable energy sector.
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