Renewable energy in Turkey - statistics & facts
Following Norway, Turkey became the second-leading country with the most hydropower operational facilities in Europe in 2023. That year, 78 facilities were operating in the country. Turkey’s landscape is uniquely suited for hydroelectricity generating-dams. Construction of the first hydro plants began in the early 20th century and paved the way for further deployment of renewable energy technologies. With concern over wildlife and the environmental implications of large hydro plants growing, Turkey has increased solar and wind shares in the power mix.
A further focus on wind turbine installations has led to wind energy generation in Turkey reaching over 34 terawatt-hours in 2023. This was an increase of 33.3 terawatt-hours compared to 2008. Similarly, Turkey expanded solar power use, especially in recent years when generation rose from 0.2 gigawatt-hours in 2015 to nearly 16 terawatt-hours in 2022. In the wake of COVID-19, fears have grown over future investments into wind and solar deployment potentially being delayed, with experts urging for governmental help in extending deadlines and improvements in network infrastructure.
When it comes to bioenergy capacity, figures have grown over tenfold since 2008, reaching about 2,000 megawatts as of 2023. In 2023, geothermal cumulative installed capacity amounted to roughly 1.7 gigawatts. Compared to other renewable energy sources, Turkey's geothermal and biomass sources were relatively minor contributors to energy generation.
The geographical region where Turkey is located is quite opportune in terms of renewable energy resources and the country's hydro energy, geothermal, solar, wind energy potential is high. Relevantly, the renewable energy capacity has been increasing gradually in the country in the past decade, as well as the generation and consumption of renewables.
Renewable energy generation
Renewable energy generation has grown significantly since 2000, increasing from 0.3 terawatt-hours in 2000 to a peak of nearly 138 terawatt-hours in 2023. Meanwhile, renewable power primary energy input consumption echoed this trend, going up from 0.37 exajoules in 2007 to 1.3 exajoules in 2023.A further focus on wind turbine installations has led to wind energy generation in Turkey reaching over 34 terawatt-hours in 2023. This was an increase of 33.3 terawatt-hours compared to 2008. Similarly, Turkey expanded solar power use, especially in recent years when generation rose from 0.2 gigawatt-hours in 2015 to nearly 16 terawatt-hours in 2022. In the wake of COVID-19, fears have grown over future investments into wind and solar deployment potentially being delayed, with experts urging for governmental help in extending deadlines and improvements in network infrastructure.
Hydroelectricity — largest renewable source of electricity
As the most common renewable source in the country, hydropower alone accounts for about one-quarter of Turkey’s energy production from renewables. In 2019, the hydroelectricity generation peaked at 89 terawatt-hours of electricity, whereas it decreased to roughly 64 terawatt-hours in 2023.When it comes to bioenergy capacity, figures have grown over tenfold since 2008, reaching about 2,000 megawatts as of 2023. In 2023, geothermal cumulative installed capacity amounted to roughly 1.7 gigawatts. Compared to other renewable energy sources, Turkey's geothermal and biomass sources were relatively minor contributors to energy generation.
The geographical region where Turkey is located is quite opportune in terms of renewable energy resources and the country's hydro energy, geothermal, solar, wind energy potential is high. Relevantly, the renewable energy capacity has been increasing gradually in the country in the past decade, as well as the generation and consumption of renewables.
