President Erdoğan Announces Turkey's Renewable Energy Capacity Reaches 62%

Turkey Achieves 62% Renewable Energy Capacity

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on Friday, February 20, 2026, that Turkey has significantly boosted the share of renewable sources in its total installed electricity capacity, reaching 62 percent. The announcement was made during the Introduction Program of the Cemre Fund. This achievement highlights the country's ongoing efforts to transition towards a more sustainable energy mix.

Expansion of Wind and Solar Power Drives Growth

The notable increase in renewable energy capacity is primarily attributed to the substantial expansion of wind and solar power across the nation. This growth marks a significant progression from previous years; for instance, renewables constituted 56 percent of Turkey's installed power at the end of 2023. In 2023 alone, renewable sources accounted for 99.5 percent of all newly added electricity generation capacity, signaling a strong commitment to green energy investments.

Ambitious Energy Strategy and Investments

Turkey has outlined an ambitious energy transition strategy, aiming to quadruple its wind and solar capacity to 120 gigawatts (GW) by 2035. This forms part of a broader goal to increase the share of renewables in installed power to 65 percent by 2035 and their share in electricity production to 55 percent. The country plans a substantial investment of $108 billion in this energy transformation, with $28 billion specifically allocated to upgrading electricity transmission infrastructure to support the integration of renewable energy. Beyond renewables, Turkey is also accelerating investments in nuclear energy to further diversify its energy mix and reduce import dependency.

Global Climate Engagement and Economic Impact

Turkey's commitment to renewable energy aligns with its broader environmental goals and international engagement. The nation is preparing to host the COP31 climate summit in Antalya this year, where it will welcome nearly 200 countries. The expansion of wind and solar power has already yielded significant economic benefits, avoiding an estimated $15 billion in natural gas imports over the past two and a half years. Furthermore, recent international collaborations, such as a deal with Saudi firm Acwa, will see the construction of two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts, capable of powering over two million homes.