THE CURRENT STATE AND FUTURE OUTLOOK OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE WORLD AND TÜRKİYE

The global energy system is undergoing a rapid transformation. The environmental costs of fossil fuels, the increasing impacts of the climate crisis, and international political pressures are driving countries toward low-carbon energy systems. Renewable energy is at the heart of this transformation; renewable sources such as wind, solar, biomass, and hydroelectric power are accounting for an increasingly larger share of energy production. According to International Energy Agency (IEA) data, global renewable energy capacity has grown by over 50% in the last decade, reaching record levels. Solar and wind energy investments, in particular, have become an attractive alternative for economies thanks to both cost reductions and technological advances.

RENEWABLE ENERGY IN TÜRKİYE: CURRENT STATUS AND POTENTIAL

Türkiye is making significant investments in renewable energy in line with its goal of increasing diversity in energy production. According to TEİAŞ data for October 2025, Türkiye’s installed renewable energy capacity exceeded 74.6 GW, constituting a significant portion of the total capacity exceeding 121 GW. Led by hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy, the share of renewable sources in electricity production has reached 45%, with a target of 47.8% set for the end of 2025. Solar energy stands out as the fastest growing segment in Türkiye in recent years. Capacity is rapidly increasing in rooftop and ground-based projects, especially in the Central Anatolia and Southeastern Anatolia regions, thanks to their high solar radiation potential. Wind energy is widespread in the Aegean and Marmara regions, and Türkiye’s total installed wind power capacity is around 12 GW. Although hydroelectric power plants have a significant share in energy production, new projects are limited due to environmental impacts and water resource management.

Türkiye’s energy strategy also highlights YEKA (Renewable Energy Resource Areas) projects, small-scale rooftop solar power plants, and integrated energy storage solutions for electric vehicles. These strategies both encourage domestic production and increase energy supply security.

THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE CLEAN INDUSTRIAL DEAL

The renewable energy transition is supported by policies and regulations not only in Türkiye but around the world. The European Clean Industrial Deal, announced by the European Union in recent days, aims to transform carbon-intensive processes in industry and encourage investment in green technologies. The law provides long-term support for electric and hydrogen-based industrial applications, while also taking into account the environmental impact of imported products through carbon border mechanisms. These developments are also of strategic importance for Türkiye. Türkiye’s trade relations with the EU and green certification systems directly affect renewable energy and clean industry investments. For example, Türkiye’s steel, cement, and chemical sectors must focus on carbon reduction in energy-intensive production processes to compete in the EU market. This situation increases both the demand for renewable energy and investments in electric infrastructure in Türkiye.

GLOBAL TRENDS AND THEIR REFLECTIONS IN TÜRKİYE Globally, the energy transition is not limited to carbon reduction; it also offers potential for economic growth and job creation. According to reports by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector could provide employment for 50 million people worldwide by 2030. With its young and dynamic workforce, Türkiye is well-positioned to benefit from this global trend. Furthermore, energy storage systems and smart grid solutions are facilitating the integration of renewable sources while increasing Türkiye’s electricity supply security. Increasing domestic production capacity and R&D investments in renewable energy technologies could turn Türkiye into a regional energy hub.

FUTURE OUTLOOK The coming years will be a critical period for Türkiye and the world in terms of energy transition. Increasing renewable energy capacity, improving energy efficiency, and reducing carbon-intensive processes in industry will enable the combination of both environmental and economic goals. Energy transition is not only an environmental necessity but also an area full of economic opportunities. While evaluating its renewable energy potential, Türkiye can strengthen its national energy security and take a leading role in shaping a sustainable future by taking steps in line with global regulations and technological developments.