Turkey solar capacity expansion drives ambitious solar power growth
Turkey is on a mission to significantly expand its solar power capacity by adding 3.4 GW by March 2025, aiming for a total of 21.6 GW. This initiative is a key aspect of the 14th Renewable Energy Resources Area (YEKA) solar power plant tender. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources has offered 41 projects spread across 21 regions, culminating in a total capacity of 3,350 MW. These projects will be developed through public-private partnerships, reflecting a commitment to collaborative growth in the renewable energy sector.
Meeting energy demand through Turkey solar capacity expansion
Turkey’s energy demand has been steadily increasing, with a notable 3.5% rise in 2023. To address this growing need, the country is actively diversifying its energy sources, placing a strong emphasis on renewable energy. As of August 2024, Turkey’s installed electrical power capacity reached 111.3 GW, with renewable energy making up 56.9% of this total. Solar power stands out as the second-largest renewable energy source, following hydropower, with an installed capacity of 18.2 GW. In 2023 alone, solar energy generated 21.3 TWh of electricity, representing 9.5% of the country’s total electricity generation.
Turkey has made remarkable strides in solar energy development. By 2022, it was ranked fourth in Europe and ninth globally in terms of solar energy capacity additions. The country’s solar power capacity reached 10 GW in 2021, placing it among the top 20 countries globally. By the end of 2023, Turkey’s solar capacity had grown to 17.9 GW, ranking it 12th worldwide. A significant portion of this capacity, 93.5%, comes from unlicensed solar power plants.
Turkey solar capacity expansion as a pillar of national energy strategy
Solar power plays a critical role in Turkey’s energy strategy, given the country’s favorable geographic location with high solar radiation. The Turkish government has implemented various policies and incentives to encourage solar energy development, such as feed-in tariffs, tax exemptions, and grid connection support.
The government has set ambitious targets for solar energy development. The 11th Development Plan aims to increase solar power capacity to 20 GW by 2023. Additionally, the National Energy Plan released in January 2023 outlines a goal of reaching 52.9 GW of solar capacity by 2035, with plans to boost solar power generation to 59.9 TWh by the same year.
Future investments fueling Turkey solar capacity expansion
Turkey’s solar energy sector continues to attract significant investment. In 2024, the country plans to add 2,500 MW of solar capacity, supported by an estimated investment of $2.5 billion. By 2030, Turkey is expected to have an additional 20 GW of solar capacity, with a projected investment of $20 billion. These investments are crucial for meeting Turkey’s growing energy demand and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
In addition to large-scale projects, Turkey is also focusing on rooftop solar installations. The government has introduced regulations to promote rooftop solar, enabling households and businesses to generate their own electricity and sell excess power back to the grid. This initiative aims to increase the country’s solar power capacity by an additional 4 GW by 2030.
Turkey’s solar energy industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years. The country’s strategic geographical location, supportive government policies, and increasing demand for renewable energy are driving the expansion of solar power. With continued investment and development, Turkey is well-positioned to become a global leader in solar energy production.
