Over Half of Turkey’s Installed Power Comes from Renewable Sources
Turkey Continues to Make Strides in Renewable Energy Sector
Turkey has made significant progress in the renewable energy sector, with the total installed electricity power reaching 110,339 megawatts. Among the various renewable energy sources, hydroelectric power plants with dams lead the way, boasting a capacity of 23,855 megawatts. Solar power plants follow closely behind with 14,994 megawatts, and wind power plants contribute 12,194 megawatts to the total installed capacity.
River power plants, bioculture, and geothermal energy also play a role in Turkey’s renewable energy landscape, with capacities of 8,329 megawatts, 2,094 megawatts, and 1,691 megawatts, respectively. As a result, renewable energy now accounts for 57.2 percent of Turkey’s total installed power as of June 12.
Different regions in Turkey excel in various renewable energy sources, with Izmir leading in wind capacity, Konya in solar, Aydın in geothermal, Şanlıurfa in hydroelectric, and Istanbul in biomass capacity. The country’s investments in renewable energy have surpassed 50 billion dollars, contributing to its overall energy security.
Turkey’s ambition to rank among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of renewable energy capacity is evident, as it aims to leverage its solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal resources to boost its economy. Despite having less than 1 percent historical responsibility in greenhouse gas emissions, Turkey plans to achieve net zero emissions by 2053.
In the latest statistics released by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Turkey has climbed to the 11th spot in the world rankings for renewable energy installed capacity. China leads the way, followed by the USA and Brazil, with countries like India, Germany, and Japan also making significant contributions to the sector.
Looking ahead, Turkey plans to invest 19 billion euros over the next decade in wind energy projects, with a focus on expanding storage capacity to 19 gigawatts by the end of 2022. By capitalizing on technological advancements and sustainable practices, Turkey is poised to further strengthen its position in the renewable energy market.
