Turkey ratifies renewable energy deal with Saudi Arabia and backs Pakistan's power privatization

The Turkish parliament approved an intergovernmental agreement with Saudi Arabia to develop renewable energy projects totaling 5,000 MW of solar and wind capacity. The law, passed with 233 votes in favor, 52 against and five abstentions, outlines the construction of two 1,000‑MW solar farms in Sivas and Karaman, with Saudi firms providing financing and operating the plants. Electricity from the projects will be purchased by Turkey for 30 years.

In a separate initiative, Turkish and Pakistani officials signed three cooperation agreements in Istanbul to support Pakistan's electricity distribution privatization. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Turkey will share its experience of expanding power infrastructure, and the accords – covering TEİAŞ‑ISMO, EPİAŞ‑ISMO and TEDAŞ‑PPMC protocols – aim to strengthen monitoring, operation, transmission management and market design in Pakistan.

Both moves reflect Turkey’s broader strategy to expand bilateral energy partnerships and attract foreign investment in its power sector.