Turkey Hits 40 GW in Solar and Wind Power Capacity

Turkey has quietly pulled off an energy revolution that few saw coming.

The country's solar and wind power capacity surpassed 40,000 megawatts in January, now representing 33 percent of Turkey's total electricity grid. Just 23 years ago, that number was essentially zero.

Renewable energy now accounts for 62.5 percent of Turkey's total installed electricity capacity of 123,284 megawatts. Solar power leads the charge at 25,827 megawatts, while wind contributes 14,862 megawatts to the national grid.

Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar calls it a "silent revolution." The transformation happened without fanfare but with consistent investment and strategic planning that's now paying off in measurable ways.

Turkey isn't stopping at 40,000 megawatts. The country has set an ambitious target of 120,000 megawatts of solar and wind capacity by 2035, meaning it's already achieved one-third of its goal with nearly a decade to spare.

The government is using multiple strategies to reach that target. Last year alone, renewable energy tenders allocated 3,800 megawatts of capacity, and officials confirmed at least 2,000 megawatts will continue to be tendered annually.

Industrial producers are showing strong interest too. Many companies are building their own solar power plants for self-consumption, reducing their reliance on the grid while cutting energy costs.

International partnerships are accelerating progress. Saudi Arabia committed to building 5,000 megawatts of solar and wind plants in Turkey, with the first 2,000 megawatts of solar projects already signed.

Those solar projects will provide Turkey's cheapest electricity at a fixed price for 25 years. The win-win arrangement gives Turkey energy security while creating investment opportunities for partner nations.

The Ripple Effect

Turkey's renewable energy push addresses one of the country's biggest economic challenges: dependence on imported energy. By building domestic solar and wind capacity, Turkey reduces vulnerability to global energy price swings and geopolitical tensions.

The transformation creates thousands of jobs in installation, maintenance, and manufacturing. Strategic sectors and public institutions are being prioritized for new solar projects, spreading economic benefits across multiple industries.

The progress also positions Turkey as a regional clean energy leader. As neighboring countries watch Turkey's successful transition, the model could inspire similar shifts across the region, multiplying the environmental impact beyond Turkey's borders.

Turkey's silent revolution proves that dramatic energy transformation is possible within a single generation when commitment meets consistent action.