Turkey advances in renewable energy with massive solar investment

BY AHMET TAŞ | WISE NEWS PRESS
ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey is emerging as a major player in Europe’s renewable energy sector, driven by one of the world’s largest solar power plants and a rapidly expanding battery storage pipeline that surpasses several EU countries.

The country’s recent progress in renewable energy investments comes as it prepares to host the COP31 Climate Change Conference, highlighting its ambition to strengthen its role in the global energy transition despite continued reliance on coal.

Record-breaking solar capacity

The Karapınar solar power plant, located in central Turkey, spans approximately 20 million square meters and includes around 3.5 million solar panels—equivalent to roughly 2,600 football fields.

The facility has been generating electricity since 2023 and produces nearly 3 billion kilowatt-hours annually, enough to power a city with a population of around 2 million.

Battery storage expansion

According to an analysis by energy think tank Ember, Turkey has built one of Europe’s largest battery storage project pipelines, quietly overtaking several EU countries in planned capacity.

The report notes that since 2022, Turkey has required new wind and solar projects to include equivalent battery storage capacity, leading to applications totaling 221 GW, with 33 GW already approved.

In comparison, battery storage pipelines in leading European markets such as Germany and Italy remain at around 12–13 GW, while Turkey’s pipeline now corresponds to approximately 83 percent of its existing wind and solar capacity.

Energy analyst Ufuk Alparslan stated that this policy sends a strong investment signal and positions Turkey as a key regional energy hub.

“By mandating storage alongside renewable projects, Turkey has not only raised its targets but also created an investment momentum that exceeds many of its European counterparts,” Alparslan said.

Regional leadership potential

The same analysis indicates that by 2025, wind and solar energy account for 22 percent of Turkey’s electricity generation, placing the country in a leading position among 16 countries across the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Turkey is currently the only country in this broader region where wind and solar power together exceed the 20 percent threshold in electricity generation.

Architectural design draws attention

The Karapınar facility has also attracted attention for its distinctive architectural design. The central control building, designed by Bilgin Architects, features a reflective exterior and an open-air courtyard with greenery.

International media coverage has highlighted the site’s futuristic appearance, with some observers comparing it to a science fiction film set and describing it as a visually striking project.

Ongoing dependence on coal

Despite its progress in renewable energy, Turkey continues to rely heavily on coal, which accounts for approximately 34 percent of electricity generation.

Analysts warn that although no new coal plants have been commissioned in recent years, policy incentives introduced in 2025 for domestic coal could lead to an increase in coal-based electricity production in 2026.

Future targets and challenges

Turkey aims to reach 120 GW of combined solar and wind capacity by 2035, which would require tripling its current installed capacity.

Experts suggest that accelerating battery storage investments and modernizing the electricity grid will be critical for reducing reliance on coal and strengthening Turkey’s position in the global energy transition.

Alparslan emphasized that Turkey has a unique opportunity to transform its regional leadership into a global advantage if it maintains its current pace of investment.

“By expanding storage capacity and upgrading its grid, Turkey can reduce its dependence on coal and emerge as a leading clean energy hub,” he said.

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