Turkey’s $108 Billion Renewable Energy Drive Aims for Green Power Dominance by 2035

Turkey’s energy ministry announces a $108 billion renewable energy plan to boost solar, wind, and nuclear power by 2035, setting a goal to make Turkey a net power exporter.

In a major step to attain energy independence, Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to transform the country into a net power exporter. With a $108 billion investment plan by 2035, Turkey is set to revolutionize its energy landscape through substantial renewable energy projects, including solar, wind, and nuclear power.

Turkey’s Renewable Energy Target: 120 GW by 2035

Turkey currently boasts 12.4 GW in wind and 18.7 GW in solar power capacity, aiming to reach a staggering 120 GW in renewable energy by 2035. This capacity will be supported by an additional 5 GW in offshore wind power, which sets a new regional benchmark, outpacing the combined 15 GW solar and 11.3 GW wind power capacity of all Southeastern European nations.

The roadmap emphasizes scaling renewable projects, including wind farms and solar power plants totaling 69.6 GW. Approximately 33.9 GW of this capacity will integrate energy storage units, ensuring reliability and stability in Turkey’s renewable energy supply. Additionally, 23.5 GW will be dedicated to self-consumption, while 3 GW will be allocated via auctions and 9.2 GW through other permits.

Streamlined Regulations and Auctions to Accelerate Development

To hasten renewable energy development, Bayraktar announced measures to reduce processing times for permits by half. Streamlining rules for wind and solar power auctions, Turkey has introduced a minimum guaranteed price for auction winners. This approach enables operators to sell electricity on the open market, with six years of guaranteed pricing for wind power and five years for solar. The fixed-price guarantee will be extended to 20 years, significantly aiding project financing through a contract for difference (CfD) model, exempt from transmission fees and tied to foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

The next auction under the Renewable Energy Resources Area (YEKA) scheme is scheduled for January 28, offering 1.2 GW for wind power, followed by a photovoltaic project auction with an 800 MW quota on February 4.

Boosting Infrastructure and Energy Export Capabilities

Turkey’s energy transmission network will undergo a major upgrade, with the addition of 14,700 km in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) lines and an expansion of the power line network to 95,500 km. This is intended to increase the country’s export interconnection capacity to 6.75 GW—nearly three times the current level—while import capacity is expected to quintuple to 6.6 GW by 2035. By enhancing interconnection with neighboring countries, Turkey aims to strengthen its position as a renewable energy exporter.

Domestic Renewable Equipment Manufacturing and Workforce Development

A strong emphasis on local content underscores Turkey’s renewable energy plan. The nation already hosts 150 equipment manufacturers and 350 suppliers that produce wind turbines, solar modules, and other power electronics. Bayraktar stressed the importance of further expanding local manufacturing capabilities and workforce development, which currently supports 50,000 jobs.

Turkey’s Shift Toward a Modernized Energy Market

In a move to modernize Turkey’s energy sector, the government plans to restructure state-owned enterprises such as Turkish Electricity Transmission Corp. (TEİAŞ) and Electricity Generation Corp. (EÜAŞ) for efficient management. Furthermore, Turkey will introduce a carbon emissions trading system by 2026 through Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST), aligning with global carbon reduction goals.

Oil and Gas Expansion to Complement Renewables

Turkey is also pushing forward in traditional energy, with oil production in the Gabar area reaching 51,000 barrels per day, and a target of 100,000 barrels daily. Gas production in the Sakarya offshore field is expected to increase from 7.2 million cubic meters per day to 9.1 million by early 2025, providing the nation with vital energy security during the transition to renewables.