TUI has launched three new solar plants in Turkey, supplying 15 megawatts of renewable energy to eight of its hotels. This initiative is a key part of TUI’s global strategy to strengthen its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Solar Plants: Cutting Costs and Reducing Emissions
Travel and tourism giant TUI has taken a significant step in its green energy efforts by launching three new solar plants in Turkey. Now connected to the grid, these plants supply power to eight of the company’s hotels across the country, marking a major advance in TUI’s global solar strategy and its expanding commitment to sustainable energy.
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The new solar plants have a combined capacity of 15 megawatts (MW), providing a substantial source of green energy for TUI’s hotel operations. One plant, with a 6.8 MWp capacity, is operated directly by TUI Hotels and Resorts Türkiye and will ensure a year-round green energy supply for four hotels.
The other two solar plants were developed in partnership with the Turkish hotel chain Akra. Located in the southern regions of Elmalı and Alanya, these plants will power another four hotels in the area.
Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group, emphasized the importance of this initiative for the company’s broader sustainability goals. “This initiative underlines our aim to grow sustainably and profitably and to significantly reduce our emissions,” Ebel said. “The solar parks in Türkiye provide our local hotels with a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy supply. For TUI, the new PV plants are an important step towards achieving the sustainability goals to which we are clearly committed.”
More Green Energy Projects Ahead
The new solar plants are just the beginning of TUI’s renewable energy projects in Turkey. A third solar plant, also part of its joint venture with Akra, is expected to be connected to the grid later this year. TUI is also planning further solar projects, including a new plant in the southeastern city of Şanlıurfa that will power another two hotels. These projects are part of TUI’s larger plan to increase its use of renewable energy across its global operations.
TUI’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its hotels. The company is also introducing green energy solutions at its travel agencies and office buildings. In Germany, for instance, all TUI buildings are now supplied with 100% renewable energy. A key example of this shift is the new solar system on the roof of the TUI Campus in Hanover. Covering 7,000 square meters, the system has a capacity of up to 1.5 MWp and began supplying the entire office campus with solar energy earlier this year, while also powering 42 electric car charging points.
Solar Plants Investments on the Rise
TUI’s efforts in Turkey mirror a broader national trend toward renewable energy. Turkey’s total installed solar capacity surpassed 12 gigawatts (GW) earlier this year, and the government has set an ambitious goal of increasing the share of renewables in energy production to 65% by 2035. Echoing this push on a global scale, TUI Group installed around 20 photovoltaic systems at TUI Hotels & Resorts worldwide in 2023 alone. This global strategy aims to reduce the company’s environmental impact and lead the way in sustainable tourism.
TUI’s focus on renewable energy isn’t just about reducing costs—it’s also about meeting the growing consumer demand for more environmentally responsible travel options. The expansion of solar energy in Turkey and beyond is a crucial step in this journey, and TUI’s recent projects are a testament to what can be achieved when businesses prioritize the environment alongside profitability. With more solar plants planned and a growing emphasis on renewable energy across its operations, TUI is well-positioned to continue leading the way toward a more sustainable future.
