Turkey has experienced a significant boost in its renewable energy capacity, with the nation increasingly leaning towards cleaner energy sources.
A recent study by global strategy consulting firm Kearney highlights Turkey’s strides in power generation, emphasizing the country’s renewable energy achievements and the burgeoning role of hydrogen.
In 2023, Turkey’s power generation capacity increased by approximately 3%, adding 2.9 GW of new capacity, predominantly from renewable sources. Currently, renewables constitute 53% of Turkey’s total installed capacity, a notable achievement that surpasses some Western European countries. This growth is indicative of Turkey’s commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable energy mix.
Over the past 15 years, Turkey’s total power generation capacity has more than doubled, and its electricity generation capacity has grown by 1.5 times. The share of geothermal, solar, and wind energy in this mix has nearly doubled in the last five years, now accounting for 20% of total power generation.
The Kearney study reveals a steady decline in natural gas usage for power generation in Turkey over the past 15 years. Although domestic coal usage has also declined, imported coal remains a significant source of emissions, with no substantial decrease in recent years. This shift away from fossil fuels towards renewables aligns with Turkey’s long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2053.
Hydrogen is a critical component of Turkey’s net-zero roadmap. The country aims to increase the number of green hydrogen plants and reduce the cost of green hydrogen production to make it competitive. Several initiatives, such as the South Marmara Hydrogen Shore project and the Hydrogen Valley project, demonstrate Turkey’s commitment to integrating hydrogen into its energy strategy.
The South Marmara Hydrogen Shore project, a public-private partnership involving the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology and 13 other stakeholders, aims to establish a green hydrogen plant. These efforts are designed to replace fossil fuels with hydrogen, presenting an eco-friendly alternative for Turkey’s energy needs.
