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Investments in energy efficiency across Türkiye have grown rapidly over the past two decades, reaching $3.5 billion, according to the country’s top sector official.
Pointing to global investments in the sector projected to reach $800 billion by 2025, reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase, Energy Efficiency Association Chair Ahmet Erdem emphasized that energy efficiency is no longer merely an environmental concern but a cornerstone of economic resilience, energy security, and job creation.
According to Erdem, approximately one-third of Türkiye’s total energy consumption is attributed to buildings. Despite comparable winter conditions in recent years, household electricity use increased by 12%, while natural gas consumption rose by 6% in 2025.
To counter these trends, Türkiye updated its national insulation standard, doubling the thermal performance requirements for newly constructed buildings. As a result, modern buildings now consume about 30% less energy compared to those built under the old standard.
Erdem also highlighted the government's leadership role, noting that public buildings are now required to obtain a Green Certificate, Türkiye’s national green building certification, for all new structures larger than 10,000 square meters.
"Public sector initiatives have already cut energy bills by ₺2.6 billion ($60.40 million)," he said, adding that a further $300 million in investments is planned under the second phase of a World Bank-backed project targeting energy efficiency in public facilities. These measures are expected to generate an additional ₺1.5 billion in annual savings.
The industrial sector is also being pushed to adopt more energy-efficient practices. Erdem stated that the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry offers grant incentives of up to ₺27 million for eligible projects.
To support this transition, Türkiye has invested in workforce training, developing over 13,000 energy professionals through programs in energy auditing, project design, and performance verification.
Furthermore, 350 individuals from 28 countries, including those in Central Asia and the Balkans, have received training in Türkiye, positioning the country as a regional knowledge hub.
Türkiye has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2053, and energy efficiency plays a pivotal role in this roadmap, Erdem underscored.
He stressed that the recently launched Energy Efficiency 2030 Strategy and the second National Energy Efficiency Action Plan aim to attract over $20 billion in investments by the end of the decade.
The strategy also includes a 15% improvement in primary energy intensity and a reduction of around 100 million tons of carbon emissions.
Erdem reiterated the role of these policies in strengthening Türkiye’s standing in the global energy transition, stating, "Energy efficiency is the cleanest and most affordable energy source, and the steps taken today will shape tomorrow’s competitiveness and sustainable growth capacity."
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