By aligning with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Türkiye can transition from a net importer of carbon to a sovereign leader in clean energy.

As the global climate crisis intensifies, Türkiye stands at a decisive juncture. With an energy system historically anchored in fossil fuels yet blessed with vast renewable potential, the nation is uniquely positioned to lead a regional transformation. By aligning with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Türkiye can transition from a net importer of carbon to a sovereign leader in clean energy.

While achieving the expectations of this Treaty by 2030 presents significant challenges, particularly regarding existing bilateral international fuel sale agreements and private sector licenses, Türkiye’s current energy profile makes such an ambitious transition uniquely feasible; accordingly, the following plan is proposed. 

Türkiye produces relatively small quantities of fossil fuels compared with its demand and is one of the most import-dependent energy economies among OECD countries. Türkiye currently operates an energy-intensive economy with a significant reliance on fossil fuels, which account for approximately 55% of its electricity generation as of 2024. This means replacing them with domestic renewable energy would strengthen energy independence while reducing climate risks.

Because Türkiye spends tens of billions annually on energy imports, a phase-out is a direct path to economic sovereignty.

• 2026: Freeze long-term fossil fuel import contracts and begin renegotiation.
• 2028: Cut fossil fuel imports through renewable expansion and electrification.
• 2030: End routine fossil fuel imports except for strategic reserves.

In accordance with the Treaty’s principle of non-proliferation, Türkiye will immediately halt the expansion of fossil fuels. Existing production, particularly lignite mining, should be phased out through a structured schedule:

• 2026: End new exploration licenses for coal, oil, and gas.
• 2027–2028: Gradual closure of older lignite mines, thermal power plants, and cancellation of planned coal plants.
• 2030: Complete phase-out of domestic fossil fuel production.

Responsibility would primarily lie with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, with support from regulatory agencies and state-owned companies such as Turkish Coal Enterprises. Progress should be measured annually through national energy balance reports and greenhouse gas inventories.

Workers in mining and fossil fuel industries would be supported through a Just Transition Fund, financed by redirecting fossil fuel subsidies toward retraining programs and renewable energy investments.

The Treaty Initiative advocates for a transition that promotes well-being and energy democracy. This requires more than just changing fuel sources; it requires a structural shift in how energy is consumed.

• Türkiye will target a completely renewable electricity grid by 2030. This will be achieved by fast-tracking permits for wind and solar, supported by a “Solar Rooftop Revolution” to decentralize power and lower costs for citizens.
• To eliminate oil and gas consumption, the government will ban the sale of new internal combustion vehicles by 2028 and subsidize a nationwide transition to Electrification of public transport and freight rail.
• In line with the treaty report, Türkiye will explicitly reject Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as a justification for continued coal use, focusing instead on absolute emission reductions.

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, together with municipal governments, will jointly implement these measures. Reductions in fossil fuel demand would be measured by the share of renewable energy and national greenhouse gas emissions.

In line with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Türkiye could reposition itself as a regional leader in clean energy. By combining strong policy direction, investment in renewable technologies, and a just transition for workers, the country could transform its energy system within a decade, turning a vulnerability into a long-term economic and environmental advantage.

This post was prepared by Türkiye Country Manager, İpek Taşgın.