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Europe considers Türkiye an "integral part" of its broader wind energy supply chain, with Turkish equipment exports playing a crucial role in the continent's renewable energy sector, according to WindEurope's top executive.
Giles Dickson, CEO of WindEurope, the umbrella organization for Europe's wind energy sector, emphasized Türkiye's critical position in the regional energy infrastructure during recent interviews with Anadolu Agency correspondents Firdevs Yuksel and Handan Kazanci.
"Türkiye has a strong wind energy supply chain, and this is of great importance not only for Türkiye but also for Europe," Dickson said. "Europe is aware of the critical role of Turkish industry in this field and sees Türkiye as an integral part of the broad wind energy supply chain."
Dickson revealed that 70% of equipment produced in Türkiye is exported, with the majority heading to European markets. This export performance underscores Türkiye's significant contribution to Europe's wind energy infrastructure development.
The WindEurope executive, who is preparing to step down from his position at year's end after approximately 10 years of service, praised Türkiye's wind energy performance and potential for further growth.
Currently, Türkiye meets approximately 11% of its electricity needs through wind energy, with Dickson noting substantial potential for increasing this percentage. The country's Renewable Energy Resource Area (YEKA) system serves as what Dickson described as a "stable capacity planning tool."
"YEKA is also very important for Türkiye's wind supply chain thanks to the local contribution rule. This system provides predictability for local manufacturers in terms of orders and volume," Dickson explained.
The executive highlighted that wind energy storage studies will play a critical role in the sector's future development. Also, following meetings with Turkish government officials, Dickson observed strong determination toward wind energy development across multiple sectors.
"They are aware of the importance of wind for Türkiye's energy security. They are conscious that, as an affordable energy source, it contributes to citizens' electricity bills. They know there are many industrial and corporate consumers who want to benefit from wind energy. They also understand that the wind industry brings employment, growth and investment to all parts of Türkiye. This is really a positive picture. All of these are extremely encouraging for the sector," Dickson said.
He added that wind energy is viewed as "a fundamental part of Türkiye's goal of increasing energy security, and this is directly linked to national security."
Dickson emphasized that Türkiye's 5-gigawatt offshore wind capacity target is achievable, describing offshore wind energy as "a natural development for Türkiye."
"This is a natural development for Türkiye. It makes sense for a country that generates 11.5% of its electricity from onshore wind to start installing turbines at sea. Wind speed and seabed conditions in Türkiye are also suitable for this," he said.
The Turkish industry possesses the capacity to support this transition, with Dickson noting that the necessary expertise and talent for offshore wind development are available in Türkiye.
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Dickson highlighted the European Union's efforts to accelerate permitting processes for wind energy investments through legislative measures, with some member countries beginning implementation.
"These regulations are having a major impact. Germany, which was the first to implement this law, is permitting 7 times more wind projects than it did 5 years ago. This is a real turning point," he said.
Beyond accelerating permitting processes, Dickson emphasized the importance of strengthening electricity transmission networks and ensuring local equipment supply chains.
As his tenure nears conclusion, Dickson offered a final message to Türkiye: "Keep up this good work. Continue to explain the critical role of wind for Türkiye's energy system and economy. Preserve the excellent supply chain you have built over the years. This is a great value and needs to be strongly supported."
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