There has been a significant increase in the renewable energy field in Turkey in the last 15 years. Beginning in 2019, Turkey’s electricity production capacity increased to 89,046.9 MW. Of this power, 22,393.5 MW is based on renewable energy sources and 46,115.4 MW are based on fossil fuels. The share of the dam hydroelectric power plants is 20,538 MW. The share of wind energy in renewable energy sources increased to 7,031.1 MW, solar energy increased to 5,238.8 MW, geothermal energy increased to 1,302.5 MW, and the power of stream-type hydroelectric power plants rose to 7,839.1 MW. The power of biomass-based power plants has reached 659 MW and the power from waste heat generation plants has reached 323 MW. 

Within the scope of Turkey’s 10th National Renewable Energy Action Plan total energy consumption for the year 2023 is predicted to be 1.2 trillion MWh and 252 billion MWh of this consumption is predicted to be from renewable resources. The target of the country was to have at least 30% of electricity production from renewable energy sources. This target was accomplished in 2017 reaching 32%.  

However, the calculations show that Turkey’s solar energy capacity is 500,000MW. Only this renewable source shows that Turkey’s renewable energy target is way below its potential. Besides solar potential, Turkey has a 31,500 MW thermal heat potential and a significant wind power potential. However, due to the technological deficiencies and financial constraints, wind energy has a low share in electricity generation. 

Besides the targets and constraints discussed above, Bloomberg NEF published a report about the long-term outlook of the energy market in Turkey. According to the report, by 2050 Turkey is expected to double its installed energy capacity. Half of this is expected to be wind and solar energy. By 2050, solar energy investment costs are expected to fall by 77% and wind by 56%. It is stated that the electricity that will be produced from the new wind and solar energy installed power in 2023 may be more competitive than the new thermal power plants.

Turkey’s national target is not challenging the country compared to its enormous renewable energy potential. A stronger regulatory framework should be identified that can guide the development of a long-term renewable energy plan. This regulatory framework should enable at least 50% of Turkey’s energy consumption to come from renewable sources. According to a low-cost scenario of Bloomberg NEF, 88% of electricity produced in Turkey can be provided from zero carbon emission sources by 2050.

Turkey should set up new and challenging targets for electricity production from renewable energy sources. The government should make sure that there is a regulatory framework that can support the renewable energy sector.

Send Action Alert Message to:

Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources

Contact Person: Özkan KAYACAN

Phone: + 0(312) 212 64 20 – 7000 

Mail: ozelkalem@enerji.gov.tr