Turkey Sets Wind Power Record, Nearly 25% of Grid

Turkey just proved that wind power isn't just the future—it's powering the present in a big way.

On January 3rd, wind turbines across Turkey generated 259,076 megawatt-hours of electricity in a single day, shattering all previous records. That's enough clean energy to power millions of homes without burning a drop of fossil fuel.

The achievement gets even better: during the first week of 2026, wind supplied nearly one-quarter of Turkey's total electricity. That's a massive jump from previous years and shows how quickly the country is transforming its energy landscape.

Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar celebrated the milestone as proof that Turkey's aggressive investment in renewables is paying off. "We also started 2026 with a record," he announced, emphasizing that these projects are strategic moves toward reducing the country's dependence on imported energy.

Turkey isn't stopping here. The government plans to add at least 2,000 megawatts of new renewable capacity through special tenders in 2026 alone.

The country is also pushing into offshore wind farms with an ambitious target: 5,000 megawatts of ocean-based turbines by 2035. These floating giants could tap into even stronger, more consistent winds over water.

The Ripple Effect

Turkey's renewable revolution is reshaping more than just its power grid. By cutting dependence on imported coal and natural gas, the country is saving money that once flowed overseas while creating thousands of jobs in turbine manufacturing, installation, and maintenance.

Solar and wind now account for nearly one-third of Turkey's total installed electricity capacity—24,669 megawatts of solar and 14,546 megawatts of wind. These aren't tiny pilot programs; they're major power sources keeping the lights on for 85 million people.

The timing matters too. As energy costs squeeze families worldwide, Turkey is proving that investing in homegrown renewable power can provide both environmental benefits and economic security.

Other countries watching Turkey's success might find a roadmap for their own clean energy transitions. When a nation of Turkey's size can get a quarter of its electricity from wind in just one week, it shows what's possible with political will and smart investment.

The wind turbines spinning along Turkey's coastlines and hilltops aren't just generating megawatts—they're generating hope for a cleaner, more independent energy future.