Turkey’s wind Power Capacity Soars: A renewable Energy Revolution
Ankara – Turkey is rapidly expanding its renewable energy footprint,with wind power leading the charge. The installed wind power capacity in Turkey has reached 13,391 megawatts (MW) as of May 2025, according to the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry. This milestone, celebrated on Global Wind Day, signifies a major leap toward a sustainable energy future for the nation.
dramatic Growth in Wind Energy Capacity
The ministry highlighted the extraordinary growth in a post, noting the increase from a mere 19 MW in 2002 to the current 13,391 MW. This surge demonstrates Turkey’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
Over the past decade, the country’s installed wind power capacity has increased by an astounding 177%. This expansion is attributed to rising demand for renewables, technological advancements, and supportive government policies. The International Renewable energy Agency (IRENA) also highlights similar trends globally, noting the increasing cost-competitiveness of wind energy.
A Decade of progress
Turkey’s journey into wind energy began in 1998 with its first wind farm in Çesme, Izmir. As then, wind plants have spread across all seven geographical regions of the country, indicating a nationwide embrace of this clean energy source.
In June 2016, Turkey’s installed wind capacity was 4,822 MW. By mid-2025, it has climbed to over 13,000 MW, marking the 177% increase over the ten-year period.
Did You Know? The Marmara Region leads in wind energy production, closely followed by the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.
Key Drivers of Change
Industry experts emphasize that strong policy support, technological advancements, and growing environmental awareness are the primary drivers behind this transformation. These factors have created a conducive environment for investment and innovation in the wind energy sector.
The global shift towards renewable energy gained momentum after the 1973 oil crisis. Although the trend slowed in the 1980s due to falling oil prices, renewed environmental concerns in the 1990s lead to significant developments in renewable technologies.
The Future is Windy: Ambitious targets Ahead
Advancements in wind turbine technology have made wind energy cost-competitive. The minimal environmental impact has fueled widespread adoption worldwide. the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects continued growth in wind energy, emphasizing its role in achieving global climate goals.
Alper Kalaycı, chairperson of the Energy Industrialists and Businessmen Association (ENSIA), noted the impressive average annual growth of 1,000 MW over the past decade, which is three times higher than the preceding 10-year period.
Looking ahead, Kalaycı stressed that achieving Turkey’s 2035 onshore wind target of 38.1 gigawatts will require boosting the annual capacity increase to around 2,300 MW.
“To achieve this pace,it’s crucial to accelerate the ‘super permit’ process,” he stated.
He further added, “In addition to streamlining approvals, strengthening our grid infrastructure will be key to integrating more wind energy into the system.”
Streamlining the Process
In a move to expedite the licensing process, the ministry has designated four areas in Eskişehir, Erzurum, and Sivas as Renewable Energy Resource Areas (YEKA).
This decision, published recently in the country’s Official Gazette, underscores the government’s commitment to facilitating the advancement of renewable energy projects.
Wind power Capacity Growth Over the Years
| Year | Installed Wind Capacity (MW) | Growth (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 19 | – |
| 2016 | 4,822 | – |
| 2025 (May) | 13,391 | 177 (over 10 years) |
The Evergreen benefits of wind Energy
Wind energy offers a multitude of long-term benefits, making it a cornerstone of sustainable energy strategies.Unlike fossil fuels, wind is a renewable resource, ensuring a continuous supply of energy without depleting natural reserves.
Furthermore, wind energy significantly reduces carbon emissions, helping to combat climate change and improve air quality. The economic advantages are also substantial, including job creation in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, as well as reduced energy costs for consumers.
Pro Tip: Consider investing in companies that are at the forefront of wind turbine technology. These companies are likely to see significant growth as the demand for renewable energy increases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wind Energy in turkey
- How much has Turkey’s wind power capacity increased?
- When did Turkey install its first wind farm?
- what is Turkey’s target for onshore wind power capacity by 2035?
- What factors are driving the growth of wind energy in Turkey?
- what are Renewable Energy Resource Areas (YEKA)?
- Why is grid infrastructure important for wind energy?
Turkey’s installed wind power capacity has increased by 177% in the last decade, reaching 13,391 MW as of May 2025.
Turkey installed its first wind farm in 1998 in Çesme, a district of Izmir on the Aegean coast.
Turkey aims to reach 38.1 gigawatts of onshore wind power capacity by 2035.
Strong policy support, maturing technology, and growing environmental awareness are key drivers of the growth of wind energy in turkey.
Renewable Energy Resource Areas (YEKA) are designated areas to speed up the licensing process for renewable energy projects. The ministry recently declared four areas in Eskişehir, Erzurum, and Sivas as YEKA.
Strengthening grid infrastructure is crucial for integrating more wind energy into the system and ensuring a reliable energy supply.
What are your thoughts on Turkey’s renewable energy initiatives? Share your comments below!
Disclaimer: This article provides general data about wind energy in Turkey and should not be considered financial or investment advice.
