Renewables now account for nearly 50% of Türkiye’s electricity
production—a remarkable transformation in just a decade.
By Esra Talu
Türkiye is undergoing a significant transformation in its energy sector, positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable innovation. With large-scale investments, ambitious policies, and international partnerships, the country is making notable strides toward a greener future.
While Türkiye has made significant progress, fossil fuels still account for a considerable share of its energy mix, and further policy reforms are needed to accelerate private sector investments. This article explores Türkiye’s renewable energy boom, major green tech projects, investment figures, and the challenges that must be addressed to solidify its position as a global leader in sustainable energy.
Türkiye’s Renewable Energy Landscape: The Numbers Behind the Green Shift
As of February 2025, Türkiye has significantly expanded its renewable energy capacity. Here is a breakdown of the country’s installed power capacity by source:
◗ Hydropower: Thirty-one point six (31.6) gigawatts, making up twenty-eight (28) percent of total installed capacity.
◗ Natural gas: Twenty-five point seventy-five (25.75) gigawatts, accounting for twenty-three (23) percent.
◗ Coal: Twenty-one point three (21.3) gigawatts, contributing nineteen (19) percent.
◗ Wind energy: Eleven point forty-five (11.45) gigawatts, approximately ten (10) percent of total power production.
◗ Solar energy: Nine point ninety-three (9.93) gigawatts, providing nine (9) percent of Türkiye’s electricity.
◗ Geothermal energy: One point seven (1.7) gigawatts, making Türkiye the third-largest geothermal energy producer in the world after the United States and Indonesia.
◗ Biomass energy: Approximately two (2) gigawatts, a growing contributor to Türkiye’s sustainability strategy.
Currently, renewable energy sources account for nearly fifty (50) percent of Türkiye’s electricity production. Over the past ten (10) years, Türkiye has nearly tripled its renewable energy generation capacity, driven by strong government policies and investment incentives.
Türkiye’s Ambitious Renewable Energy Expansion Plans
The Turkish government has outlined a roadmap to significantly expand its renewable energy infrastructure by 2035. Key goals include:
◗ Quadrupling Wind and Solar Power:
Türkiye aims to increase wind and solar capacity from thirty (30) gigawatts to one hundred twenty (120) gigawatts) by 2035. This expansion requires a projected investment of one hundred eight (108) billion US dollars.
◗ Upgrading Transmission Infrastructure:
The country has allocated twenty-eight (28) billion US dollars to modernize the national grid and support the anticipated rise in renewable energy production.
◗ Scaling Battery Storage:
Investing in large-scale battery storage to balance energy fluctuations and ensure grid stability.
◗ Expanding Offshore Wind Energy:
Türkiye is conducting feasibility studies for its first offshore wind farms in the Aegean and Marmara seas, with pilot projects expected in 2026.
Mega Renewable Energy Projects Driving the Green Transition
Türkiye has launched several large-scale projects to accelerate its transition to clean energy:
- Karapınar Solar Power Plant – Türkiye’s Largest Solar Farm
◗ Located in Konya Province, Karapınar is the largest single-source solar power plant in Türkiye, with an installed capacity of one thousand three hundred (1,300) megawatts.
◗ The facility spans twenty (20) square kilometers and consists of three point five (3.5) million solar panels.
◗ It generates one thousand seven hundred (1,700) gigawatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to power six hundred thousand (600,000) households. - Soma Wind Farm – A Major Contributor to Türkiye’s Wind Energy
◗ Located in Manisa Province, the Soma Wind Farm has an installed capacity of one hundred forty point four (140.4) megawatts.
◗ It features one hundred nineteen (119) wind turbines and produces approximately four hundred five (405) gigawatt-hours per year.
International Collaborations and Financing
Türkiye’s green energy initiatives have attracted substantial international investments and collaborations:
◗ World Bank Partnership:
In May 2024, the World Bank and Türkiye signed a one (1) billion US dollar agreement to support the development of fifteen (15) gigawatts of renewable energy capacity. This initiative is part of the broader Europe and Central Asia Renewable Energy Scale-up Program, which aims to develop new renewable energy markets across the region.
◗ Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Financing:
In February 2025, Türkiye’s Ministry of Finance signed a memorandum of understanding with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to finance five (5) billion US dollars worth of public sector projects over three years. This agreement focuses on sustainable and green development projects, particularly in the energy sector.
Challenges in Türkiye’s Green Energy Transition
Despite its impressive progress, Türkiye faces several key challenges in its clean energy transformation:
- Continued Reliance on Fossil Fuels:
Coal and natural gas still account for forty-two (42) percent of Türkiye’s electricity production, posing a barrier to full decarbonization. - Need for Grid Modernization & Storage Capacity:
As renewables expand, Türkiye must invest further in grid modernization and battery storage technologies to prevent energy losses and stabilize power supply. - Investment and Policy Reforms:
While Türkiye has been successful in attracting foreign investment, additional policy reforms are necessary to further encourage private-sector involvement and speed up project approvals.
Final Thoughts: Türkiye’s Path to Green Energy Leadership
Türkiye’s aggressive renewable energy expansion, major international collaborations, and commitment to sustainability place it among the most promising emerging markets for green technology. With ambitious goals, strong public-private partnerships, and continued foreign investment, Türkiye is well-positioned to become a global leader in renewable energy.
The coming years will determine whether Türkiye can fully capitalize on its green energy boom and establish itself as a clean tech powerhouse in the Middle East and Europe. ■
