Türkiye’s renewable energy capacity surpasses 60% of total power
File photo shows high-voltage power transmission towers stretch across the horizon. (Adobe Stock Photo)
Türkiye’s installed renewable energy capacity has reached approximately 60% of the country’s total electricity generation capacity of 116,605 MW, amounting to 70,000 MW, according to the state-owned electricity company TEIAS.
The number of renewable energy power plants across Türkiye’s seven regions has been calculated at 33,671.
The installed solar power capacity during this period was recorded at 20,416 MW, with 18,409 MW generated by unlicensed power plants and 2,008 MW by licensed ones. Solar energy accounted for 17.5% of the total installed capacity and nearly 30% of renewable energy capacity. The number of solar power plants producing electricity during this period stood at 32,083.
In the wind energy sector, installed capacity reached 13,046 MW, with 378 operational power plants. Wind energy constituted approximately 11% of Türkiye’s total electricity capacity, while its share within the renewable energy mix stood at 18.7%. The number of licensed wind power plants was recorded at 287, while unlicensed plants totaled 89.
Hydropower leads in capacity
Hydropower remains Türkiye’s largest renewable energy source, with total installed capacity reaching 32,203 MW as of Feb. 23, comprising river and dam-based power plants. Hydropower accounted for 27% of the total installed capacity and 46% of the country’s renewable energy generation. The number of operational plants included 617 river-type hydroelectric stations and 147 dam-based facilities.
Other renewable energy sources included geothermal and biomass. Geothermal power capacity during this period was recorded at 1,734 MW, while biomass capacity reached 2,123 MW. The number of power plants stood at 66 for geothermal and 380 for biomass energy.
Driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and rising energy demand, Türkiye has accelerated its renewable energy investments, particularly in solar and wind power, in an effort to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas and to lower its current account deficit.
In line with these goals, the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry has announced its Renewable Energy Roadmap 2035, which aims to increase Türkiye’s installed solar and wind power capacity to 120,000 MW by 2035.
