Bridging East and West — A Strategic Gateway in the Clean Energy Transition
As global clean energy markets mature, Türkiye is rapidly gaining recognition as a strategic corridor between East and West—emerging not only as a compelling renewable energy growth story but as a critical enabler of cross-border energy flow, innovation, and infrastructure development. Driven by robust domestic energy demand, an accelerating push for independence from fossil fuels, and a long-term vision for sustainability, Türkiye is undertaking a clean energy transformation of exceptional scale. Its renewable energy capacity is projected to grow from 58.7 GW in 2024 to 95.8 GW by 2033, marking a significant phase of regional and technological evolution, and representing a 5.3% CAGR between 2025 and 2033.
Aerial view of wind turbines and solar panel farm in Kayseri Turkey taken via drone. Image source by gettyimages.
A Robust and Balanced Clean Energy Mix
In recent years, Türkiye has rapidly expanded its clean energy portfolio. As of 2023, renewables accounted for 54% of total installed capacity, underpinned by:
Hydropower: 31.6–32 GW
Wind: On track reaching 12.5 GW by end-2024
Solar: Projected at 19.6 GW in the same period
With plans to integrate advanced technologies, including floating solar and hybrid plants, Türkiye is not only expanding its domestic capacity but preparing to serve as a regional energy exporter—a trend that opens new avenues for long-term system integration and connectivity.
Roadmap Backed by Policy and Performance
The National Energy Plan 2035 outlines Türkiye’s ambitious targets:
83 GW of wind and solar capacity
5 GW of offshore wind along its extensive coastline
Green hydrogen production scaling from 2 GW electrolyzer capacity by 2030 to 70 GW by 2053
Key regulatory instruments such as the YEKA tenders and YEKDEM feed-in tariffs ensure project bankability and predictable pathways for scaling up.
A Financial Environment Ready for Scale
Clean energy investment in Türkiye reached nearly $5 billion in 2023, a 69% year-over-year increase. Backed by a government plan to mobilize $80 billion in renewable energy production by 2035 and supported by partners such as the World Bank and EBRD, the market presents a compelling case for continued long-term infrastructure development and sustainable growth.
Innovation and Infrastructure in Motion
Türkiye is embracing frontier technologies across its clean energy ecosystem:
Green hydrogen for industrial decarbonization
Offshore wind feasibility and strategic siting
Battery storage and grid digitalization for stability and flexibility
Projects like the Karapınar Solar Power Plant (1.35 GW) and ongoing collaborations with global players (e.g., GE Vernova, Kalyon PV) reflect a proactive approach to building resilient, innovation-friendly infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
With major projects and global partnerships already in motion, Türkiye’s positioning is translating into real-world momentum. Türkiye’s trajectory reflects more than policy ambition, it represents an integrated, long-term energy vision that aligns infrastructure readiness, financial strength, and strategic geography. As energy systems become more interconnected, markets that combine regional reach with technological openness like Türkiye will be critical to shaping the global energy future. Türkiye is not just adapting to the energy transition, it’s actively enabling it. Its evolution offers a forward-looking view into what strategic, scalable clean energy growth can look like when anchored by policy, partnership, and purpose.
