Together, wind and solar now generate more than one-fifth of Türkiye’s total electricity supply.
For many years, Türkiye relied heavily on conventional energy sources, particularly imported natural gas and coal. Today, however, renewable energy has become one of the defining pillars of Türkiye’s energy transition. According to recent official data, the country’s wind power capacity has exceeded 14 GW, while solar energy has expanded even more rapidly, surpassing 24 GW of installed capacity. Together, wind and solar now generate more than one-fifth of Türkiye’s total electricity supply. Nearly all this renewable electricity is consumed domestically by households, businesses, industry, and agriculture, helping the country respond to rising energy demand while reducing pressure from costly fuel imports.
This transformation has unfolded in distinct phases. Wind energy expanded first, driven by private sector investment and strong wind resources along the Aegean and Marmara coasts. Large-scale wind farms became one of the earliest success stories of Türkiye’s renewable energy market. Solar energy accelerated later, particularly after 2017, when regulations supporting distributed generation and rooftop systems became more favorable. Official government strategies aim to more than triple existing wind and solar capacity by 2035.
Despite this rapid growth, important challenges remain. The most significant barrier is the electricity transmission network. Many of the country’s strongest solar and wind resources are located far from major consumption centers, creating congestion and connection limitations in parts of Central Anatolia, the Aegean region, and southeastern Türkiye. In response, the government has increasingly promoted storage-integrated renewable projects, requiring many new wind and solar facilities to include battery systems that can store electricity and release it when demand is higher or renewable output declines. Other barriers include lengthy permitting procedures, land-use disputes, financing risks linked to economic volatility, and the need for further grid modernization. These issues are gradually being addressed through transmission investments, streamlined licensing processes, and long-term support mechanisms designed to provide greater investor certainty.
Türkiye does not export solar or wind electricity as separate commodities. Instead, renewable energy is integrated into the national electricity grid alongside other generation sources. Therefore, electricity exports to neighboring countries such as Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Iraq, and Syria reflect the overall electricity mix rather than dedicated renewable flows. These exchanges are generally short-term and commercially driven, supporting regional grid balancing and cross-border electricity trade while strengthening Türkiye’s broader position as an energy corridor between Europe and Asia.
Within the country, solar and wind energy serve different but complementary functions. Solar power plays a particularly important role during daytime hours, supplying electricity to homes, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and agricultural irrigation systems. Rooftop solar installations are also becoming increasingly common as electricity consumers seek to reduce costs and improve energy independence. Wind energy, by contrast, contributes more heavily to utility-scale generation and often supports evening demand peaks and industrial consumption. Together, these renewable sources are also beginning to support Türkiye’s decarbonization efforts.
Türkiye’s energy system today reflects a balance between traditional fuels and emerging renewable technologies. Fossil fuels, especially coal and natural gas, still account for more than half of the country’s electricity generation and remain essential for maintaining system stability. At the same time, the role of renewable energy continues to grow steadily. Together with hydropower, geothermal energy, and biomass, clean energy sources now account for approximately 43% of Türkiye’s electricity generation. Although the transition remains incomplete, the long-term direction is toward a more diversified, lower-carbon, and more energy-independent future.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Turkiye Country Manager, İpek Taşgın.