NEW YORK - Turkey possesses a significant potential in the renewable energy sector, according to George Pataki, former New York governor.

There are plans to invest $80 billion for electricity generation within the next 10 years in Turkey, said Pataki, who currently serves as consultant at Chadbourne & Parke, an international law firm.

"As Turkey's population grows, its economy is also expanding and it is securing a more important place among countries. However, within this scope, electricity generation is among Turkey's top problems," he said in a recent interview with Anatolia news agency at the firm's headquarters at Rockfeller Plaza in New York.

Pataki was the moderator of a meeting last week on Turkey's energy and renewables sector held by the American-Turkish Society and sponsored by Chadbourne & Parke.

Commenting on Turkey's solar, wind and geothermal energy resources, Pataki said, "I know that Western companies operating in the wind and solar energy sectors are highly keen on renewable energy opportunities in Turkey."

Pataki drew attention to similarities in the energy sectors of the United States and Turkey.  Turkey receives 70 percent of its energy from abroad and is dependent on Russia and Iran, especially for natural gas; the U.S., meanwhile, obtains roughly 60 percent of its oil from external resources, he said.

"In this respect, I regard renewable energy as a great opportunity also in terms of the economic, environmental and national security fields," he said. 
Not only Turkey, but also the U.S. and Central Europe have concerns regarding dependency on Russian natural gas, Pataki said.

"Turkey ranks second in terms of Europe's best solar energy resource. It has incredibly strong wind resource and geothermal energy opportunities on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. Moreover, the government has announced that it will take action for hydropower projects," he said.

"All these will help Turkey become more adaptable with its surroundings, grow its economy and become less dependent on foreign energy resources," he said.

The preparations on a renewable energy law are ongoing in Turkey, Pataki said, who urged the adoption of incentives to attract investors to the sector. Pataki also said Turkey may become an important solar panel manufacturer.

Pataki's practice focuses on energy, environmental and corporate matters. Prior to joining Chadbourne & Parke, he served three terms as the 53rd governor of New York from 1995 until 2006.