Türkiye eyes increased energy supply to Syria

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated on Sunday that the country is working to strengthen energy grid connections with its neighbors, including plans to increase energy supply to Syria as part of broader regional stability efforts.

Speaking at the 15th General Assembly of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, Bayraktar highlighted Türkiye’s evolving energy policy and future goals, underscoring the nation’s rising demand for energy.

“Over the past 20 years, Türkiye’s energy demand has nearly tripled, and this growth is expected to continue over the next two decades,” Bayraktar said.

Addressing Türkiye’s approach to meeting this demand, the minister emphasized efforts to reduce the country’s reliance on imported energy sources.

“We are committed to addressing the issue of dependency on foreign energy,” he added, while also acknowledging Türkiye’s broader environmental goals. Bayraktar noted that renewable energy is central to the country’s ambitions of achieving a carbon-neutral economy.

Türkiye’s solar, wind capacity to increase from 32 gigawatts to 120 gigawatts by 2035

Türkiye has made substantial strides in renewable energy development, with a capacity growth of approximately 32 gigawatts in the past 15 to 20 years, primarily driven by solar and wind energy.

“Today, all the electricity used in households comes from solar and wind energy,” he said, adding that this transition aligns with the country’s carbon-neutral objectives.

Looking ahead, Bayraktar revealed that Türkiye plans to increase its solar and wind capacity of 32 gigawatts to 120 gigawatts by 2035, a fourfold increase. This expansion will require an estimated $80 billion in investments.

“We need a more resilient and powerful energy grid. We are calling this the ‘green grid,’ a kind of energy network 2.0,” Bayraktar said. To support this, he noted that an additional $28 billion in investments will be required for grid infrastructure over the next decade.

Turkish nuclear energy ambitions loom

Türkiye’s energy strategy also includes expanding its nuclear energy portfolio, which Bayraktar stated would complement the country’s renewable energy efforts.

“We are focused on creating an equal competitive environment and attracting capital to the energy market,” he said.

In addition, Bayraktar pointed out a recent discovery of rare earth element reserves in Türkiye, adding that the country plans to build a supply and value chain around these resources. “A more digitized energy system and international cooperation are crucial for a successful energy transition,” he said.

“Our focus is on integrating renewable energy, energy efficiency and nuclear energy into our portfolio.”

Bayraktar also addressed the importance of regional cooperation in the context of energy transitions. He emphasized that stronger energy grids are critical for the region’s stability.

“We are working to enhance energy connections with neighboring countries, and we are committed to increasing our energy supply to Syria as part of ensuring regional stability,” Bayraktar said, noting that energy ties with Iraq are already in place.