Here’s a bold statement: Turkey is quietly becoming a powerhouse in renewable energy, and its rapid progress is turning heads across the globe. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many countries are still debating their energy transition strategies, Turkey has already made strides that could reshape the regional energy landscape. Over the past few years, Turkey has poured significant resources into its renewable energy sector, achieving results that have surpassed expectations. This isn’t just about reducing carbon footprints; it’s about securing energy independence and slashing reliance on imports—a move that’s both strategic and transformative.
Since the early 2000s, Turkey has been ahead of the curve in diversifying its energy mix, long before many of its neighbors even began the conversation. The goal? To achieve net-zero emissions by 2053 while ensuring the country can meet its energy needs without leaning on others. This ambitious plan has been backed by policies focused on modernization, liberalization, and boosting domestic production. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights that Turkey’s renewable electricity generation has tripled in the last decade—a feat that’s hard to ignore. And this is the part most people miss: Turkey’s solar energy capacity has doubled in just two and a half years, surpassing its 2025 target far ahead of schedule. By the end of 2024, solar installations for self-consumption had skyrocketed from 9.7 GW to over 19 GW, now contributing roughly 6% of the country’s total electricity supply.
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about impact. The accelerated growth in solar and wind energy has saved Turkey a staggering $15 billion in natural gas imports between July 2022 and December 2024, while also reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. But here’s the kicker: Turkey’s pipeline of pre-licensed storage-integrated solar and wind projects totals 33 GW, dwarfing its 2030 target of 2.1 GW. This suggests the country is not just meeting goals—it’s obliterating them. Is this the blueprint for other nations to follow, or is Turkey’s success an outlier?
By August 2023, Turkey’s installed renewable energy capacity had climbed to 74 GW, with hydropower leading the charge at 27% of the total energy mix. Solar and wind are close behind, with solar contributing 24 GW and wind nearly 14 GW. Meanwhile, the country is also eyeing its first nuclear power facility, further diversifying its energy portfolio. But it’s not just about traditional renewables. Turkey is also making waves in the hydrogen and electric vehicle (EV) markets. The EU’s recent $3.22 million technical assistance project aims to boost Turkey’s green hydrogen sector, while its EV industry has exploded, overtaking Belgium as Europe’s fourth-largest BEV market. In June alone, EV sales tripled to 25,646 units, fueled by government incentives like the special consumption tax (ÖTV). But here’s the question: Can Turkey sustain this momentum, or will it face challenges as it scales up these ambitious projects?
Looking ahead, Turkey’s National Energy Plan forecasts electricity demand reaching 455 terawatt-hours by 2030 and 510 terawatt-hours by 2035, requiring an additional 17 GW and 27 GW of capacity, respectively. Hybrid solar projects integrated into existing hydropower and wind plants are expected to play a key role. Meanwhile, the wind energy sector is gaining traction, with investments projected to hit $1.5 billion by 2025. But here’s the debate: As Turkey expands its renewable energy footprint, how will it balance its reliance on imported coal and other fossil fuels? And what does this mean for its long-term energy independence?
Turkey’s renewable energy journey is a testament to what’s possible with bold policies, strategic investments, and international support. But as it continues to lead the way, one thing is clear: the world is watching. What do you think? Is Turkey’s approach a model for others, or does it come with risks that are being overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
