Indispensable role of coal as an energy source in Turkey with focus on biodesulphurization studies and advances

Abstract

Of late, sustainable energy development has received considerable importance throughout the world due to the growing concerns regarding climate change and environment protection. This in turn, has led to the search for alternatives, which are ecofriendly and cost-effective. Turkey possesses vast resources of lignite and renewable energies, which if utilized properly can reduce the current energy deficit and imports from other countries. Though renewables have received more attention in the past few years; yet, the vast lignite reserves of Turkey cannot be averted while considering the major indigenous energy resources of the country. The present review briefly discusses the existing energy situation in Turkey with particular focus on the indispensable role of coal as a valuable energy resource in meeting the country’s growing energy demand. Biodesulphurization as a green treatment technique for sulphur removal from coal is discussed along with some of the recent advances made with respect to the Turkish lignite. A brief description relating to the impact of COVID-19 on the energy sector is also discussed. Furthermore, future outlooks towards sustainable development are presented.

Keywords

• Energy
• Hard coal
• Lignite
• Biodesulphurization
• Sulphur