For many people the term “hydroelectric power” brings to mind a litany of evils ranging from the forced resettlement of towns and villages to the destruction of ancient and historic settlements and wildlife reserves.

But Turkey’s demand for power is expected to grow by an average 8 to 9 per cent every 12 months over the next 15 years, and in a worst-case scenario could outstrip generation in two to three years. Given these factors, the country’s energy strategy has long been to make best use of its domestic resources.