Turkey’s Announces Ambitious Plan to Quadruple Wind and Solar Energy Capacity by 2035

Turkey aims to quadruple its wind and solar energy capacity to 120,000 MW by 2035, requiring $108 billion in investments. Regulatory reforms and infrastructure upgrades will accelerate this transition.

Turkey has set an ambitious goal to increase its wind and solar energy capacity to 120,000 MW by 2035, requiring $108 billion in public and private investments. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, speaking at a renewable energy roadmap event, outlined the country’s plan to accelerate renewable energy development and overhaul regulatory processes to attract more private sector involvement.

Expanding Renewable Energy Capacity to 120,000 MW

Turkey's government is committed to rapidly increasing its renewable energy capacity, aiming to quadruple its wind and solar power generation by 2035. The first renewable energy resource area (YEKA) tender conditions for this year will be announced soon, Bayraktar revealed. A significant focus will be placed on fast-tracking the 34,000 MW of pre-license and permission applications that are currently in limbo, with the goal of reducing the permit process timeline from four years to two.

$28 Billion Investment in Transmission Infrastructure

Out of the $108 billion total investment, $28 billion will be specifically allocated to enhance Turkey’s transmission infrastructure, which includes building transformers and installing high-voltage transmission grids across the country. This infrastructure investment is crucial for accommodating the significant growth in wind and solar energy capacity.

Financing and Regulatory Reforms to Boost Private Sector Involvement

Despite the remarkable growth in renewable energy capacity in recent years, Turkey’s renewable energy sector has faced challenges, particularly with long permission processes and insufficient financing. In a bid to resolve these issues, the country plans to hold a 2,000 MW tender for wind and solar plants early next year. The tender will introduce a new scheme offering a price floor and long-term electricity purchase guarantees, making it easier for private investors to finance renewable energy projects.

Turkey’s Renewable Energy Transition

Turkey’s commitment to renewable energy dates back to 2005, when the government began incentivizing private sector investment in wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass power plants. Since then, the country has added 30,000 MW of renewable energy capacity, now accounting for 17.7% of its total installed capacity.

The government’s new roadmap is set to reduce Turkey's dependency on imported fossil fuels, mitigate geopolitical risks, and contribute to global efforts for cleaner energy. With its ambitious target of 120,000 MW by 2035, Turkey is poised to become a major player in the global renewable energy landscape.