Türkiye’s Hydrogen Energy Ecosystem: Innovations and Investment Opportunities

Türkiye is accelerating its transition into the global green hydrogen economy through strategic innovation, infrastructure development, and international cooperation. As the world moves toward net-zero emissions, Türkiye’s growing hydrogen ecosystem offers unique opportunities for global entrepreneurs and investors seeking a strong foothold in the renewable energy market.

National Strategy and Policy Framework

Under the Hydrogen Technologies Strategy and Roadmap, Türkiye aims to expand its electrolyzer capacity to 2 gigawatts (GW) by 2030, 5 GW by 2035, and 70 GW by 2053. Achieving these targets will significantly reduce the cost of green hydrogen production—estimated to fall to around USD 2.4 per kilogram by 2035 and below USD 1.2 by 2053. This roadmap aligns with Türkiye’s long-term carbon neutrality vision and supports the development of a low-emission industrial base.

In the 2025 Presidential Annual Program, Türkiye emphasized local technology development and commercialization, focusing on the production, storage, and use of hydrogen within its national industrial ecosystem. The strategy aims to enhance domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce import dependency.

Key Projects and Progress

South Marmara Hydrogen Coast Platform

Türkiye’s first hydrogen valley project, the South Marmara Hydrogen Coast Platform, represents a milestone in the country’s clean energy transformation. Co-financed by Enerjisa Üretim, ETİ Maden, and the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the project targets an annual green hydrogen production capacity of 500 tons. Key features include:

• capacity: 500 tons of green hydrogen per year
• technology: PEM electrolyzers located at Bandırma Energy Campus
• budget: total investment of approximately 37 million euros, including 8 million euros in EU grants
• timeline: two feasibility studies planned within a 24-month project period
• partners: collaboration among 16 institutions

The hydrogen produced will be used in industrial applications across ceramics, glass, and chemical sectors, as well as for energy generation and cooling systems in Bandırma’s natural gas power plant.

Electrolyzer Development Projects

To strengthen its domestic hydrogen technology base, Türkiye has initiated two parallel PEM electrolyzer research and development projects:

• 30 kW PEM electrolyzer: designed and tested under the South Marmara Hydrogen Coast Platform
• 250 kW PEM electrolyzer: focused on scalability, modularization, and component optimization

Borohydride Storage Investment

In Balıkesir, a pilot facility for sodium borohydride production is under development. This innovative project aims to utilize Türkiye’s rich boron reserves as a hydrogen storage solution—positioning the country as a leader in integrated hydrogen value chains.

Private Sector Engagement

Large-Scale Investments

Tosyalı Holding is investing USD 300 million in green hydrogen energy projects. The company’s acquisition of Spain’s Baika Steel Tubular System supports pipeline manufacturing for hydrogen networks across Europe. It is also developing hydrogen-integrated steel plants in both Türkiye and Algeria.

Meanwhile, Akfen Renewable Energy focuses on expanding fully renewable electricity production in Türkiye to support the growing hydrogen economy, investing in production, transport, and distribution infrastructure.

International Collaboration

Enerjisa Üretim and HAW Hamburg’s Competence Center for Renewable Energy (CC4E) are jointly developing projects aimed at supporting sustainable transformation in Türkiye’s energy sector.

Logistics and Export Infrastructure

Hydrogen transport and maritime logistics are rapidly evolving. At Gelibolu Shipyard, hydrogen-fueled and hydrogen-carrier vessels are currently under construction, with delivery expected in 2027. This development reinforces Türkiye’s role as both producer and exporter of hydrogen technologies.

Funding Sources and Incentives

European Union Support

The South Marmara Hydrogen Coast Platform is one of Türkiye’s largest co-financed projects supported by EU funding. The initiative marks the country’s highest single project grant obtained under EU-backed energy innovation programs. It exemplifies Türkiye’s success in integrating domestic efforts with international climate funds.

Clean Hydrogen Partnership Program

The Clean Hydrogen Partnership 2025 call provides a 40 million euro budget to support new renewable hydrogen, storage, and distribution projects. This initiative opens the door for Türkiye-based entrepreneurs to participate in Europe’s broader hydrogen ecosystem.

Supply Chain and Manufacturing Opportunities

According to World Bank analysts, Türkiye can leverage its industrial capacities and raw material advantages to lower costs across the global hydrogen value chain. Priority investment areas include:

• electrolyzer components and manufacturing
• hydrogen storage technologies
• transportation and distribution systems
• certification and standardization services

Each of these sectors offers high potential for foreign entrepreneurs to establish technology partnerships, local production facilities, and export-oriented manufacturing bases.

Sectoral Applications

Hydrogen technologies are being applied in several industrial and municipal areas in Türkiye, including:

• ceramics, glass, and chemical industries as major hydrogen consumers
• public transport systems, such as the development of hydrogen-fueled buses in Gaziantep
• smart city and renewable energy integration projects in sustainable industrial zones
• emergency and on-site power generation through hydrogen-based storage systems

Regional Developments

In Southeastern Türkiye, İstanbul Technical University and Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality are collaborating to establish hydrogen research and production centers. Similarly, an R&D and production hub with an advanced hydrogen laboratory is planned in the Marmara Organized Industrial Zone, supporting innovation across the region.

International Context and Competitive Position

Türkiye’s hydrogen transformation aligns with global trends. The European Union oversees more than 90 hydrogen valleys, with Germany leading the continental transition, while Kazakhstan’s USD 50 billion green hydrogen project underlines Central Asia’s rising ambitions. Türkiye’s geography, renewable potential, and manufacturing base combine to give it a distinct competitive advantage in this global race.

Regulatory Landscape and Future Outlook

Experts highlight the need for clear regulatory frameworks, including certification systems and dedicated “Green Hydrogen Industrial Zones.” Rapid progress on regulatory oversight and standardization will be essential to support private investment and project bankability.

Türkiye’s Clean Hydrogen Action Plan has reached its final implementation stages, paving the way for strategic partnerships with countries such as Kuwait. These cross-border collaborations strengthen investor confidence and facilitate Türkiye’s emergence as a key hydrogen hub in Eurasia.

As of the end of 2025, Türkiye stands out as one of the most dynamic markets for hydrogen-related investments in the wider region. Supported by ambitious national goals, strong private sector involvement, and international cooperation, the country offers fertile ground for entrepreneurs aiming to enter the global green hydrogen economy. For forward-looking investors, Türkiye represents not only a gateway to Europe and the Middle East but also a fast-growing innovation hub in the renewable energy era.