Turkey accelerates renewable energy growth amid coal dependency

According to the 2026 Turkey Energy Outlook published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) in collaboration with the Turkish government, Turkey is experiencing a rapid increase in electricity demand. Between 2005 and 2024, consumption grew by an average of nearly 5% annually, the highest rate among IEA member countries.

To meet this demand, Turkey is expanding its renewable energy footprint, particularly in wind and solar power. While renewables accounted for 43% of total electricity generation in 2025, the National Energy Plan aims to increase this share to 55% by 2035. The country is also promoting nuclear energy, with the Akkuyu nuclear power plant expected to contribute approximately 10% of the nation's installed capacity.

Despite these advancements, coal remains a dominant component of the energy mix, covering about one-quarter of the country's total energy needs in 2024. This continued reliance on fossil fuels, combined with high demand, increases Turkey's exposure to external energy market volatility due to its dependence on imported mineral fuels.