Türkiye continues to climb the ranks in renewable energy by positioning itself as a global leader in sustainability. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has revealed that Türkiye is now among the top five countries in Europe and 11th in the world for installed renewable energy capacity. The minister also shared ambitious plans to move into the top three in Europe and the top nine globally within the year.
Türkiye’s Renewable Energy Milestones
Over the last 15 years, Türkiye has achieved significant progress in solar and wind energy. Installed capacity in these sectors has grown from almost zero to over 33,000 megawatts. The country’s solar energy journey began in March 2013 with a modest 91-kilowatt plant. Today, Türkiye boasts approximately 20,000 megawatts of installed solar capacity. This expansion has made it possible for wind and solar power to fully meet the annual electricity needs of all households in the country.
Renewable energy now accounts for 60% of Türkiye’s total installed capacity. Wind and solar energy play pivotal roles in this transformation by contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
Minister Bayraktar emphasised the government’s commitment to accelerating the permitting process for renewable energy projects. Current wind and solar permitting timelines of up to 48 months are set to be reduced to 18 months. The government plans to present this reform to parliament soon to streamline regulations and encourage investment in the sector.
These streamlined processes aim to attract more stakeholders and expedite the country’s shift toward renewable energy. Such reforms align with Türkiye’s ambitious targets to increase installed wind and solar capacity to 120,000 megawatts by 2035, which requires an estimated $80 billion in investment.
Rising Solar Energy Contribution
The growth of solar energy in Türkiye has been remarkable. As of the end of October, solar energy accounted for 16.6% of the country’s total installed capacity, a significant rise from 10.5% in the same month last year. The installed capacity of solar energy has reached 19,005 megawatts, thus solidifying Türkiye’s position as a renewable energy leader.
Türkiye’s renewable energy strategy prioritises maximising domestic resources. In the first 10 months of the year, domestic sources accounted for 61.7% of total electricity production. This marks an increase from 57.1% in the same period last year. Total electricity generation during this time was 289.4 million megawatt-hours. This reflects the country’s growing reliance on sustainable energy.
Türkiye’s electricity demand has grown at an average rate of 4.4% annually over the past two decades. Today, the demand stands at 335 million megawatt-hours, and this figure is projected to rise. Forecasts estimate electricity consumption will reach 380.2 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2025, 455.3 TWh in 2030, and 510.5 TWh by 2035.
To meet this demand, Türkiye’s public and private sectors have invested heavily in energy infrastructure. The country’s focus on renewable energy ensures that its growing needs are met sustainably while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Türkiye’s Global and Regional Standing
Türkiye’s achievements in renewable energy place it among the top nations globally. It ranks fifth in Europe and 11th worldwide for installed renewable energy capacity. With plans to improve these rankings, Türkiye is setting an example for other countries aiming to transition to sustainable energy systems.
The government’s proactive approach — combined with significant public and private sector investments — underscores its commitment to renewable energy. By continuing to prioritise sustainability, Türkiye is poised to play a key role in the global shift towards a greener future.
Looking ahead, Türkiye’s renewable energy ambitions are set to reshape the nation’s energy landscape. The plan to reach 120,000 megawatts of installed wind and solar capacity by 2035 highlights the country’s long-term commitment to sustainability. These efforts will not only meet Türkiye’s growing energy demand but also contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
As Türkiye strengthens its position as a renewable energy powerhouse, it serves as a model for other nations. With reforms, investments, and a clear vision for the future, Türkiye is demonstrating that transitioning to renewable energy is both achievable and beneficial for the environment and the economy.