Turkey pens a fresh energy success tale
Turkey is actively working towards energy security by expanding domestic and renewable energy production, developing nuclear power, and increasing local manufacturing of energy equipment. This shift is aimed at reducing import dependence, as the country's energy imports amounted to a staggering $70 billion in 2023 alone [1].
One of the core priorities identified in the National Energy Policy, adopted in 2017, is the expansion of renewable energy sources. As of mid-2025, renewables account for about one-third of Turkey’s electricity generation. The government has ambitious targets, aiming for 50% renewable electricity by 2030, with large capacities in hydropower (32 GW), wind (12 GW), solar (10 GW), and biomass/geothermal (3 GW combined) [1][3][4]. To support this, Turkey enforces high domestic content requirements for wind and solar projects, fosters technology transfer, and has opened a solar PV manufacturing factory since 2020 [1].
Nuclear energy is also part of Turkey’s strategy to diversify its energy mix and secure supply. The government subsidizes nuclear power purchases to ensure financial viability [1]. Meanwhile, Turkey heavily subsidizes coal power and supports storage methods like pumped hydro to enhance grid stability [1]. In terms of fossil fuels, Turkey continues to secure natural gas imports primarily from Iran and Azerbaijan while also exporting gas and electricity to neighbouring Syria, indicating a regional role in energy trade [2][5].
However, concerns have been raised about the accuracy of national generation forecasts and the heavy reliance on fossil fuels in future capacity projections [1]. The Chamber of Mechanical Engineers has expressed these concerns.
Turkey's installed power capacity has nearly quadrupled over the past 20 years, rising from 30,000 megawatts (MW) to 114,599 MW by the end of October 2024, with 79,263 MW coming from domestic and renewable sources [1]. This growth is evident in the significant expansion of solar energy, which reached 19,000 MW, while wind energy rose from just 9 MW to 12,446 MW [1].
Exploration activities have led to the discovery of the Sakarya Gas Field, which currently produces around 7 million cubic meters (mcm) of natural gas per day. The goal is to increase production in Gabar to 70,000 barrels per day, and to raise production in the Sakarya Gas Field to 10 mcm in the first quarter of 2025 [1].
Turkey's geographical proximity to major energy sources strengthens its potential to become a key player in global energy distribution networks and a regional energy hub. Investors currently hold a project pipeline with a total capacity of 70,000 MW, more than twice the current installed capacity in wind and solar energy. Approximately 70% of this capacity is allocated to solar power plants (GES), while the remaining portion is dedicated to wind power plants (RES) [1].
The inclusion of nuclear energy in Turkey's national energy portfolio is considered a strategic move. Work is ongoing on the Akkuyu, Sinop, and Thrace Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) projects. Since 2016, Turkey Petroleum Corporation's (TPAO) daily oil production has increased from 36,000 barrels to 150,000 barrels, with 62,000 barrels coming from the Gabar region alone [1].
Over the past 20 years, the private sector's share in Turkey's power sector has risen from around 20% to 80% [1]. This shift towards private sector involvement is a testament to Turkey's commitment to modernising its energy sector and ensuring a sustainable energy future.
[1] Turkey's Energy Transformation: Challenges and Opportunities [2] An Overview of Turkey's Energy Sector [3] Turkey's Energy Policies and Strategies [4] Turkey's Energy Outlook 2020 [5] Turkey's Energy Security
- To bolster Turkey's energy security further, the country's focus on defense industries could involve the development of advanced technology for energy equipment manufacturing, contributing to the government's aim of increasing local production.
- The expansion of renewable energy sources across Europe provides an opportunity for Turkey to collaborate with European industry and finance, potentially creating partnerships that could facilitate technology transfers and investments in Turkey's energy sector, further diversifying its energy mix.
