Turbulent energy release in solar flares

(1) Evidences suggesting that hot flare plasma is highly turbulent are briefly reviewed. (2) It is argued that the turbulence is an MHD turbulence, which is most efficient in quick heating of large volumes of flare plasma. (3) Loop-top flare kernels seen in the X-ray images are suggested to be the sites of the turbulent flare energy release. (4) It is shown how turbulent flare kernels can develop at the tops of expanding magnetic flux tubes. (5) It is argued that the turbulent flare model can explain the huge amount of non-thermal electrons, which are accelerated during the flare impulsive phase.