Energy Sources in Turkey

Turkey has attached special importance to energy security and self-sufficiency, and investments in electricity generation from renewable energy sources have increased significantly in recent years, and Turkey is now one of the 10 largest markets for renewable energy technology in the world.

In conjunction with the centenary of the founding of the Turkish Republic, and based on the 2019-2023 strategic plan of the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Turkey seeks to increase the percentage of total installed electricity generated from local and renewable energy sources from 59% to 65%.

This plan aims to reach 32,037 megawatts of hydroelectric energy, 2,884 megawatts of geothermal energy and biomass, 11,883 megawatts of wind energy, and 10,000 megawatts of solar energy, to reach 56,804 megawatts from renewable sources by 2023.

Last year, Turkey ranked fifth in Europe for generating electricity from renewable sources, and Turkey is now a major exporter of wind energy components and technology, exporting its products to more than 45 countries.

Renewable energy investments

Turkey seeks to achieve two main goals independence and energy security, thanks to its abundant renewable energy potential. It also aims to reduce the economic burden of energy imports, compensate for part of its trade deficit, and achieve environmental goals.

The Turkish government intends to reduce the effects of climate change by increasing the share of renewable energy, and Turkey needs to invest $130 billion to achieve its goals in the field of renewable energy. The Turkish Ministry of Energy focused on increasing the share of local resources and reducing dependence on foreign resources.

Generating electricity with renewable sources

According to some experts and analysts, Turkey reached its goal 4 years ago in the field of wind and 7 years ago in solar energy, and employed a lot of potential, but this transformation was not easy.

Analysts point out that Turkey has committed to generating 26 gigawatts of wind and solar energy by 2030, in a statement of its national contribution within the scope of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The wind farms of the Turkish Electricity Transmission Company have become the largest source of electricity generation in the country for the first time in history, representing 6% of the 791 megawatt-hours of daily electricity production in Turkey.

Energy transition in Turkey

According to the International Energy Agency, about 80% of the renewable energy capacity that will be used in Turkey, 2021-2026, will be from solar and wind energy, and the renewable energy capacity installed by Turkey last year doubled the capacity recorded in 2019.

Turkey is interested in focusing on the sustainability of the energy sector and reducing carbon emissions, in order to create a modern and competitive economy. Experts recommend reconsidering the role of power plants generated from lignite coal in a low-carbon future and setting new goals, because emissions from the electricity sector in Turkey have increased by 43% in the past 10 years.

Turkey has diversified its energy resources in the past 10 years. Renewable energy, especially hydroelectric energy, solar energy, and wind energy, has shown remarkable growth during this period, in addition to making tangible progress in liberalizing energy markets and enhancing energy security.