Türkiye raises 2040 renewable energy targets to cut import costs

Türkiye will unveil a revised National Energy Plan on 5 November, establishing more aggressive renewable energy targets through 2040 to bolster energy security and reduce reliance on imports. The announcement was made by Ahmet Ozkaya, Director General of Energy Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, during the Investment Summit Towards COP31 in Istanbul on Sunday, 25 October. Expanding Renewable Capacity The upcoming policy update extends the current roadmap, which previously aimed for 120 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar capacity by 2035. Ozkaya confirmed that Türkiye’s current combined wind and solar installed capacity has surpassed 44 GW. The new targets are intended to accelerate the country's progress toward its 2053 net-zero emissions goal. The ministry indicated that the shift to renewables is a strategic measure to curb high energy import bills. By extending the planning horizon to 2040, the government aims to provide a longer-term framework for international and domestic investors in the power sector. Grid Infrastructure and Investment Requirements Achieving these expanded targets requires substantial capital expenditure in infrastructure. Ozkaya noted that previous estimates calculated a need for $80 billion in transmission and distribution investments through 2035. This figure is expected to rise significantly under the 2040 expansion. Ozkaya warned that without comprehensive grid upgrades, the renewable ambitions would remain unreachable. The…