Turkey plans to significantly ramp up its renewable energy capacity, with updated goals pointing towards a combined 120 GW of solar and wind power by 2035. This ambitious strategy, highlighted by the Turkish Solar Energy Industrialists and Industry Association (GENSED) at the 5th Turkish Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Ankara, positions the nation as a key player in the global energy transition.
Turkey’s Solar Capacity and Goals for Turkey renewable energy
During the 5th Turkish Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (SolarTR-2023) in Ankara, Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, detailed the nation’s forward-thinking energy strategy. While the long-term vision is to meet 100% of electricity demand from renewables and achieve net-zero emissions by 2053, a more immediate and concrete target has been set: achieving an impressive Turkey renewable energy: Impressive 120 GW Goal by 2035.
Minister Bayraktar emphasized that Turkey’s electricity demand is expected to double by 2053. To meet this surge, a massive expansion of renewable sources is essential. The country, which currently has around 15 GW of installed solar capacity, is set to rapidly scale up as Turkey installs new solar facilities.
A critical component of this plan is the modernization of the national grid. “The electricity we generate must be delivered to consumers via the grid. We need to strengthen our transmission and distribution infrastructure,” the minister stated. This is no small task; achieving these goals will require an estimated $28 billion in transmission investments. To support this, international partners like the World Bank have committed significant financing to help modernize and strengthen Turkey’s electrical grid, ensuring it can handle the fluctuating supply from renewable sources.
Balancing Solar Investment and Supply of Turkey renewable energy
Minister Bayraktar underlined the need for a balanced approach to the ongoing Turkey solar energy: Impressive 2024 Investment Boom. “We must balance the supply of renewable energy with demand,” he said, acknowledging investor concerns about periods when supply exceeds demand, causing market price drops.
To address this intermittency challenge, Turkey is making a major push into energy storage. The government plans to add 5 GW of storage capacity each year, aiming for a total of 20 GW by 2030. This storage capacity is vital for stabilizing the grid and ensuring that the clean energy generated from solar farms can be dispatched whenever it is needed.
This commitment is backed by robust government policies. Incentives such as the Renewable Energy Support Mechanism (YEKDEM) provide guaranteed pricing that encourages private investment. Furthermore, the government is streamlining project development through initiatives like the “super permit” to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. These actions, from large-scale Turkey solar tender: impressive 850 MW power bid events to supportive policies, are creating a fertile ground for growth. The nation’s abundant sunlight and available land make it an ideal location for solar expansion, powered by an increasingly sophisticated understanding of the basics of solar panel manufacturing.
Solar Energy Conference Highlights for Turkey renewable energy
The SolarTR-2023 conference served as a crucial platform for aligning industry and government on Turkey’s energy future. Organized by GENSED, the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and technical experts to map out the path forward.
Hakan Erkan, Chairman of GENSED, stressed the need for deeper collaboration. “There is a need for more cooperation between the public and private sectors,” he remarked, also calling for greater market flexibility to better integrate the growing share of renewables.
Discussions at the conference covered the entire solar value chain, from the latest developments in the solar panel manufacturing process to innovative financing models and policy adjustments. Participants explored solutions to overcome sector challenges and unlock Turkey’s full solar potential, reinforcing the importance of continued innovation and investment.
Turkey’s plan to reach 120 GW of combined wind and solar capacity by 2035 is a bold and necessary step toward a sustainable energy future. With strong policies, major investments in infrastructure, and international support, the country is on track to meet its ambitious renewable energy targets.
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