Türkiye in top 5 in Europe for renewable energy installed capacity
The installation of the outer protective shell of the reactor building of the 1st power unit of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), built by the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation Rosatom. (Rosatom-AA Photo)
Türkiye is now among the top five countries in Europe for renewable energy installed capacity, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced during the inauguration of a solar panel production facility in Izmir.
He attributed this milestone to Türkiye’s focused policies and substantial investments in clean energy infrastructure.
Major advances in solar, wind energy
Speaking at the opening ceremony of Smart Gunes Enerjisi Teknolojileri’s new facility in the Aliaga Organized Industrial Zone, Bayraktar highlighted Türkiye’s achievements in solar and wind energy.
“We have increased our renewable energy capacity to over 33,000 megawatts, with solar energy alone contributing approximately 20,000 megawatts,” Bayraktar said and added, “This progress meets the annual electricity needs of all households in Türkiye.”
Bayraktar also noted Türkiye’s international standing: “We are among the top five in Europe and 11th globally for renewable energy installed capacity. By the end of this year, we aim to rank in the top three in Europe and the top nine globally.”
Driving innovation in renewable energy
The minister outlined Türkiye’s renewable energy strategy, emphasizing self-sufficiency and sustainability. “In the past 15 years, we’ve made a quiet revolution in renewable energy, reducing dependency on imports and moving closer to net-zero emission goals,” he said.
Bayraktar also underscored the importance of domestic manufacturing, noting that Türkiye now produces 75% of components for solar energy systems and over 70% for wind turbines locally.
“Our policies ensure that Türkiye remains competitive while fostering innovation and creating jobs,” he added.
Streamlined approval processes for energy projects
Bayraktar announced reforms to simplify approval processes for renewable energy projects, reducing timelines from 48 months to 18 months.
This change is expected to expedite new investments and strengthen Türkiye’s clean energy infrastructure.
Strategic vision for Türkiye’s energy future
Türkiye’s renewable energy growth is supported by comprehensive government policies and a commitment to innovation. The new facility in Izmir, which produces solar cells and panels domestically, is a testament to this vision.
Bayraktar emphasized that such projects not only reduce reliance on imports but also position Türkiye as a global leader in renewable energy technology.
