Examining Hydro-Electric Power Plants in Terms of Their Spatial Effects According to SWOT Analysis: Sample of Alkumru and Kirazlı Dams (Siirt)

As in all over the world, the need for energy is continuously growing as an important requirement in Turkey, as well, in parallel with increase of population. It is seen that hydroelectric power plants (HEPP/Dams) are preferred often in recent years on the grounds that they offer various advantages when compared to other alternative energy resources in order to meet growing energy requirement of Turkey. However, although they are low-cost and have some superiority over alternative resources, HEPP’s have always been a matter in question because of their adverse effects on nature and cultural environment. Compared to nuclear and fossil power resources, hydro-electric power plants have seemingly more positive impression in respect of their effects on environment. However, their potential of effectiveness can significantly vary as result of factors such as global warming and climatic changes. Although it may be seen that a country like Turkey, which is foreign-dependent in terms of energy resources, should inevitably attempt evaluating its existing hydraulic energy resources / potential, there is another reality that this policy will result in significant adverse effects in long run. In this context, impacts of Alkumru and Kirazli Dams, which are constructed in eastern part of Siirt province, were examined in terms of endogenous and exogenous factors (SWOT analyzing) and as result of analyzes it was concluded that these dams are “man-mad structures, which have both positive and negative impacts on natural and human spatial.” On the other hand, it is seen that risk factors should be minimized so that they can turn into opportunity for sustainability of environmental circumstances and vital requirements and such structures should be realized in coordination with long-term and comprehensive planning phase, which takes into consideration of other advantages and opportunities as well as potential problems of region/locality.