Solar and Wind Energy Sector in Türkiye: Growth, Investment Opportunities, and Economic Impact (2024–2025)
The solar and wind energy sector in Türkiye is experiencing rapid expansion and offers significant investment opportunities between 2024 and 2025. The fast growth in solar power, in particular, has made the market increasingly attractive for international entrepreneurs seeking sustainable and profitable ventures.
Remarkable Growth in Solar Energy
Türkiye’s installed solar power capacity more than doubled from 9.7 GW in July 2022 to over 19 GW by the end of 2024. This milestone achieved the 2025 target ahead of schedule. Over the past two and a half years, the country has generated 52 TWh of electricity from solar energy, covering 6% of its total supply and preventing approximately 5.4 billion USD in natural gas imports.
Hybrid power plants have emerged as a key area of development. By the end of 2024, Türkiye had installed 1 GW of solar capacity as a supplementary energy source and held licenses for an additional 3.5 GW of hybrid solar capacity.
Current Status and Potential of Wind Energy
In 2024, Türkiye’s installed wind power capacity increased by 6.5% to reach 12.5 GW, though this growth remained below the 2021 record levels. The country’s total wind potential is estimated at 100 GW, with the current capacity representing only a fraction of that potential. Licensed projects are expected to bring this figure to 30–35 GW by 2035.
Offshore wind energy represents a promising new frontier. Türkiye has an estimated offshore wind potential of 75 GW, with a goal of reaching 5 GW of installed offshore capacity by 2035. Preliminary measurement and feasibility studies have begun in four coastal zones along the Aegean and Marmara seas.
Investment and Employment Opportunities
The sector currently employs around 30,000 people and supports domestic production worth approximately 3 billion USD, involving more than 300 local manufacturers. International companies operating in Türkiye’s wind sector export around 600 million euros and make purchases worth 1.1 billion euros annually.
Job listings related to solar and wind power are growing rapidly, reflecting the sector’s strong potential for increasing green employment. Both industrial and licensed power plant projects have attracted significant investment, particularly those developed for self-consumption purposes.
Incentives and Regulatory Developments
By 2030, Türkiye has allocated a total of 18 GW in capacity for energy storage-integrated wind power projects. Within the framework of the YEKA (Renewable Energy Resource Areas) tenders, 2.9 GW of capacity has been awarded, although only 301 MW had become operational by the end of 2024. The Ministry has also announced a new tender plan for an additional 1.2 GW of wind energy capacity under the YEKA scheme.
One of the biggest challenges facing investors remains the lengthy permitting process, which currently averages 5.4 years. To address this, the Ministry is considering a “super permit law” designed to simplify and accelerate approval procedures. If enacted, this regulation would significantly streamline project development and attract further investment.
Economic Impact
Between 2024 and 2025, solar and wind energy generation helped Türkiye avoid approximately 15 billion USD in natural gas imports. This achievement underscores how renewable investments contribute not only to sustainability but also to national energy independence and economic stability.
The renewable energy sector has become one of the most promising business areas in Türkiye for 2024, particularly within the sustainable and eco-friendly product segments. By advancing solar and wind technologies, Türkiye continues to foster an energy transition that aligns environmental values with strong economic returns.
Conclusion
Türkiye’s solar and wind energy sectors offer dynamic opportunities for global entrepreneurs. With strong government support, local manufacturing capabilities, and ambitious targets for renewable expansion, the country is emerging as a key market for clean energy investment in the wider region.
