Newsletters
Türkiye is preparing to scale up its wind energy investments in 2026, aiming to reach around $2.5 billion and install up to 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity, sector representatives say.
Wind energy investments gained traction in the first quarter, with roughly $300 million to $350 million already deployed, according to Türkiye Wind Energy Association Chairman Ibrahim Erden. Installed wind power capacity increased by more than 300 megawatts (MW) during the same period.
Erden noted that Türkiye continues to build on last year’s strong performance, when the country surpassed 2 GW in new installations and ranked second in Europe for wind power expansion.
Looking ahead, the sector expects construction and installation activity to accelerate, particularly during the summer months when conditions are more favorable.
Expanding wind capacity is also helping Türkiye curb its reliance on imported energy. Each 1,000 MW of wind power installation offsets approximately $250 million in natural gas imports, Erden explained.
Based on last year’s installations, the country avoided more than $500 million in natural gas imports, reflecting the growing economic impact of renewable energy projects.
The sector is setting more ambitious goals beyond the near term. While current expectations point to annual installations of 4 to 5 GW by 2028 or 2029, industry stakeholders are pushing for even higher targets.
Erden indicated that the sector is ready to deliver up to 7 GW of annual installations if supported by suitable financing, industrial capacity, and investor participation.
Renewable Energy Resource Area (YEKA) tenders remain a key mechanism for future growth. Industry players expect new auction details to emerge later this year, with early signals likely to come during an upcoming sector congress.
Türkiye’s total installed electricity capacity reached 125 GW as of March 2026, with wind energy accounting for a 12% share at 15 GW, while combined with 26.5 GW of solar power, renewables made up 62% of the total and total solar and wind capacity reached 40 GW, according to official figures.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
