At Acelerex, we’ve always believed that the future of energy is both local and global—and nowhere is that more evident than in Turkey. With members of our team living and working in the region, we’ve had a front-row seat to an incredible transformation: a country balancing tradition and innovation, forging its path to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s powering Turkey in 2025.
A Solar Surge: Outpacing Expectations
In just a few short years, Turkey has doubled its solar energy capacity, reaching 19.6 GW by the end of 2024—a milestone that exceeded the country’s own 2025 target ahead of schedule. Much of this growth has come from behind-the-meter installations, with 94% of new solar capacity added through self-consumption systems like rooftop solar. It’s an inspiring display of grassroots participation in the energy transition.
But this is just the beginning. Turkey’s National Energy Plan aims to quadruple solar and wind capacity to 120 GW by 2035, and 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial launchpad for that effort. The government is planning new tenders for 1.2 GW of wind and 800 MW of solar, further strengthening the country’s renewable foundation.
Hydropower, Wind, and the Road to 2035
While solar power has taken the spotlight, hydropower still makes up nearly 30% of Turkey’s installed capacity, and wind is also on the rise. Together, these technologies are forming the backbone of a grid that’s more diverse, flexible, and locally sourced than ever before. In 2025, renewable energy already accounts for approximately 45% of total electricity generation, and the government plans to boost that share to nearly 48% by year-end.
However, the transition isn’t without its challenges.
Balancing Coal, Gas, and Carbon Goals
Turkey continues to rely on coal-fired power plants for about 35% of its electricity generation. That dependence contributed to power sector emissions totaling 154.5 million metric tons of CO₂ in 2024, positioning Turkey as one of Europe’s largest power polluters.
To stay on track with its climate goals, the government is also aiming to reduce the share of natural gas in electricity generation to under 19% by the end of 2025. These are ambitious goals, but ones that will require careful coordination between generation, storage, and grid planning.
Pricing Pressures and Policy Shifts
Turkey’s energy transformation is unfolding alongside economic pressures, which have triggered key policy changes. In February 2025, the government removed electricity subsidies for households and businesses consuming over 5,000 kWh per year, in an effort to curb public spending and incentivize efficiency.
By April 2025, residential electricity rates rose by 25%, while industrial rates increased by 10%. These shifts underscore the delicate balance between affordability, energy security, and decarbonization.
A Regional Power Player
Turkey’s strategic location at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East continues to shape its role as a regional energy hub. In early 2025, Syria signed an agreement to import electricity from Turkey, using a newly connected 400-kV transmission line. It’s an example of how Turkey is leveraging its grid to support energy stability beyond its borders.
At the same time, Turkey has voiced strong opposition to the Great Seas Interconnector, a project connecting Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, due to territorial disputes. As Turkey deepens its domestic capacity, its influence in the regional energy dialogue will only grow.
Opportunities Ahead: Where Acelerex Sees Value
The shifts underway in Turkey present unique opportunities for developers, utilities, and policymakers alike. Here are a few key areas to watch:
1. Grid Modernization and Analytics
With more intermittent renewables coming online, data-driven grid analytics will be essential. Power flow modeling, nodal forecasting, and dynamic control systems can help Turkish operators maintain grid stability while unlocking greater flexibility.
2. Energy Storage Integration
From short-duration batteries to longer-duration thermal and pumped hydro, storage will play a critical role in reducing curtailment and enabling 24/7 clean power. There’s an urgent need for integrated planning tools that link storage to market signals and system constraints.
3. Market Participation and Forecasting
As renewables proliferate, predictive modeling and bidding strategies will become even more important for asset owners. Advanced platforms like Acelerex’s Market Decision Engine (MDE) can help optimize dispatch and capture value across price volatility and ancillary markets.
4. Investment Planning and Clean Energy Policy
The long-term targets outlined in Turkey’s energy roadmap will require careful investment planning—combining capacity expansion modeling, revenue forecasting, and policy scenario analysis to ensure sound, scalable outcomes.
Local Knowledge, Global Perspective
Turkey’s energy journey in 2025 is a story of momentum and complexity. At Acelerex, we’re proud to support this transition—not just from afar, but through our colleagues and partners on the ground.
We believe that by combining local insights with cutting-edge software and analytics, countries like Turkey can shape not just their own energy future, but help define what a cleaner, smarter grid looks like for the entire region.
Want to learn more about how Acelerex supports grid analytics, forecasting, and planning in emerging markets? Get in touch with us.
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