Türkiye Accelerates Renewable Energy Expansion with Record Growth in 2024
Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: Türkiye is significantly increasing the share of renewable energy in its total installed capacity, with 2024 set to be a landmark year for overall capacity growth, according to Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
Speaking at the one-day Istanbul Energy Forum organized by Anadolu under the auspices of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bayraktar announced that Türkiye is now fully capable of meeting the electricity needs of all households in the country using wind and solar energy. He emphasized the country’s commitment to renewable energy, stating, “By 2035, we aim to quadruple our current wind and solar installed capacity.”
Bayraktar also outlined Türkiye’s goal of expanding its wind and solar capacity to 120,000 megawatts by 2035, a target that will require nearly $80 billion in investment.
Regional Energy Cooperation
In addition to focusing on renewable energy, Bayraktar stressed Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing regional energy cooperation, emphasizing the importance of energy security for both Türkiye and the surrounding region. He reaffirmed Ankara’s dedication to advancing international oil and natural gas pipelines, as well as electricity and natural gas transmission lines with its neighboring countries.
Bayraktar discussed these bilateral and multilateral energy projects with officials and company representatives from various countries on the sidelines of the forum, highlighting the need for strong regional collaboration in the face of ongoing energy sector challenges.
Global Geopolitical Context
Türkiye Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, also speaking at the forum, underscored the critical role of energy in global geopolitics and the necessity of international cooperation to address the growing challenges of the sector. He noted, “Today, energy is one of the most critical elements in the global geopolitical competition. Control over energy resources remains a central component in the struggle for global power.”
Altun reflected on the historical context of energy exploitation, saying, “The history of the modern world is, in fact, a history of colonialism, with the exploitation of the resources and energy reserves of the non-Western world by the West.” He emphasized Türkiye’s efforts under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s leadership to advocate for a fairer global system, promoting global justice and freedom through investments in the energy sector.
Reducing Dependence on Foreign Energy
Altun also highlighted Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources, diversify energy imports, and establish the country as a regional energy hub. He noted Türkiye’s significant progress in securing energy supply, optimizing domestic resources, advancing renewable energy, and gaining access to nuclear energy.
“These steps are vital not only for Türkiye’s energy security but also for enhancing the country’s global reputation and brand value,” Altun added.
The communications director further addressed the broader energy challenges facing the world, including geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, climate change-induced natural disasters, and disruptions in supply chains. He called for global cooperation to overcome these issues, stressing that energy should be a tool for regional and global cooperation, not conflict, in line with President Erdoğan’s vision.
