Are wind and solar energy increasing in Türkiye?

Although wind and solar energy play an important role in meeting Türkiye's electricity demand, they are not increasing at a rate to meet annual increases in power demand. Wind and solar’s gains mean that fossil power grew less quickly than it otherwise would have, leading to a decline in its share of Türkiye's power.

Can Türkiye reach a solar capacity of 76 GW by 2035?

It is possible for Türkiye to reach an installed solar capacity of 76.9 GW by 2035 as targeted. Türkiye’s rooftops have a potential of more than 120 GW. The 5.2 GW of solar power plants that need to be commissioned on average every year from 2024 to 2035 in order to reach this target is feasible.

How did wind and solar affect Türkiye's energy consumption?

Wind and solar’s gains mean that fossil power grew less quickly than it otherwise would have, leading to a decline in its share of Türkiye's power. In the five-year period from 2019 to 2024, Türkiye experienced a 14% increase in electricity consumption (+42 TWh). Three quarters of this increase was met by the rise in wind and solar generation.

How has solar capacity grown in Türkiye?

This followed a huge rise in solar capacity in just two years (+8.9 GW, +82%), up from 10.9 GW installed capacity in 2022. Previously, the largest annual solar capacity growth in Türkiye was in 2017 and 2018, with capacity increases of 2.1 and 2.2 GW respectively.

How big is Türkiye's energy storage capacity?

Türkiye’s 35 GWh storage capacity accounts for grid-scale projects alone. Global energy storage investments have surpassed 150 GWh. Türkiye has already begun installations in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Spain, leveraging its geographic advantage close to Europe.

How can Türkiye provide diversity in energy production & storage?

As a country rich in hydroelectric capacity, Türkiye can provide diversity in energy production and storage by installing pumped storage hydroelectric power plants, a technology over a hundred years old, to its portfolio, while balancing the increasing production of wind and solar.