Türkiye's Net-Zero Blueprint: Can Strategic Policy & AI Lead to a Big Score in Green Energy?
A New Era for Türkiye’s Energy Landscape
Türkiye is entering a bold new era of energy transformation. Legally committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2053, the government passed a landmark climate law in March 2025 that is setting the stage for a sweeping economy-wide shift. One of its most ambitious goals is to expand total installed electricity capacity to 190 GW by 2035, with wind and solar power expected to quadruple to 120 GW, supported by 7.5 GW of battery storage.
But reaching this vision requires more than just renewable energy infrastructure. It calls for intelligent, adaptive, and data-driven systems—and that’s where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation come in. Globally, AI-enabled energy solutions are forecasted to contribute over $1.3 trillion in economic value by 2030 while reducing emissions by up to 10%. In energy operations, AI can cut costs by 15% and increase productivity by 10%, making it indispensable for modern energy management.
Why AI & Automation Are Core to Türkiye’s Renewable Ambitions
Türkiye’s clean energy boom depends on smart technologies to manage scale, reliability, and efficiency. These technologies are essential to ensuring that energy from intermittent renewable sources can be predicted, optimized, and securely delivered.
Here’s how AI and automation are enabling that transformation:
Managing Renewable Intermittency: AI-powered forecasting models are improving the accuracy of wind and solar generation predictions, which is critical for grid stability. Turkish academic institutions are pioneering models that significantly reduce prediction errors.
Optimizing Operations & Maintenance (O&M): Predictive maintenance tools powered by AI reduce downtime and extend asset lifespan. Companies like Margun Energy are leveraging AI to improve performance and reduce costs in solar plants.
Building Smart Grids: AI and automation underpin smart grid systems by enabling real-time balancing, efficient load distribution, and demand response. Türkiye’s DISCOs are advancing SCADA and GIS systems under the “Türkiye Smart Grid Vision and Strategy Roadmap,” supported by $1 billion in funding from CIF, the EBRD, and the World Bank.
Boosting Energy Efficiency: AI is helping industrial and commercial players like Ford Otosan and Arçelik optimize energy use through predictive modeling and automated controls.
Enhancing Storage and Hydrogen: AI plays a vital role in managing the complexity of battery storage systems and optimizing green hydrogen production. Borusan Ventures’ investment in Tyba, an AI-powered storage optimization platform, reflects this shift.
Policy Momentum: Building Türkiye’s AI-Driven Energy Future
Türkiye’s policy environment is actively enabling the integration of AI in clean energy through a comprehensive framework. The government has aligned its national strategies to support digital transformation in energy with a strong focus on regulation, workforce development, and incentives.
Key policy highlights include:
National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2021-2025): Aims to create 50,000 AI jobs, boost R&D, and build the data infrastructure needed for AI applications in energy.
Proposed AI Law (2024): Modeled after the EU AI Act, the upcoming law promotes transparency, safety, and ethical use of AI—especially important for critical sectors like energy.
Personal Data Protection Law (KVKK No. 6698): Ensures privacy and data security for smart grid and consumption data, aligning with GDPR standards.
EMRA's Aggregation Regulation (2025): New rules mandate real-time data and smart metering, increasing demand for AI-based grid balancing solutions.
MENR Strategic Plan (2024-2028): Calls for grid flexibility and battery storage integration, reinforcing the need for advanced digital tools.
Incentives & R&D Support:
New Investment Incentive System (2025): Offers VAT, customs, and tax exemptions for green and digital projects.
HIT-30 Program: A $30B initiative for high-tech sectors including energy.
TUBITAK 1515 Program: Grants up to 10M TRY annually for energy tech R&D.
Tech Visa Program: Attracts global AI talent with work permits and tax benefits.
International Collaboration: Multilateral support from CIF, EBRD, and the World Bank underscores Türkiye’s commitment to digital clean energy infrastructure.
Opportunities for Innovators: AI in Action
The digital transformation of Türkiye’s energy sector opens exciting avenues for businesses to lead and innovate.
Opportunities include:
AI Energy Solutions: Develop platforms for renewable forecasting, predictive maintenance, or smart grid management. Example: Loggma’s AI-based Solarify is already scaling globally.
Technology Integration & Consulting: Support energy firms in AI integration, data quality, and cybersecurity.
AI Hardware & Infrastructure: Supply computing power, IoT sensors, and data platforms tailored for energy applications.
Talent Development: Launch upskilling programs or AI bootcamps focused on the energy workforce.
Investments & Partnerships: Invest in local clean tech startups or co-develop solutions with Turkish firms using available government support.
Compliance & Security Services: Help navigate regulations like KVKK and the upcoming AI Law while securing critical infrastructure.
Navigating the Roadblocks
Despite the growing momentum, businesses must also address key implementation challenges:
Data Quality & Integration: Legacy infrastructure often lacks interoperability. Solutions for data standardization and integration are key.
Cybersecurity: Increased connectivity means elevated threat levels. Sector-specific security solutions are essential.
Talent Shortage: Bridging the skills gap through training or international partnerships is vital.
High Implementation Costs: Upfront AI investments can be heavy; leveraging incentives and proving ROI is essential.
The Strategic Imperative for Business
Türkiye is aligning digital innovation with ambitious climate goals. Its clean energy future depends not just on solar panels and wind turbines, but on the intelligence driving them. Companies that act now—investing in AI solutions, forming strategic partnerships, and engaging with evolving policy frameworks—can lead this transformation and shape a cleaner, more resilient energy future for Türkiye.
Get our full Türkiye Energy Report for a deeper dive into policies, projections, and investment trends
