Türkiye’s Renewable Energy Revolution
Türkiye is making significant progress in its energy transition as it prepares to host the COP31 climate change conference this November. The country is now home to one of the largest solar facilities in the world and one of Europe’s most extensive battery storage pipelines. While coal remains the primary source of power, experts believe Türkiye is on track to become a renewable energy pioneer for the region.
Battery Storage Pipeline Surpasses EU Countries
A new report by the energy think tank Ember highlights that Türkiye has quietly built one of Europe’s largest battery storage pipelines, surpassing any EU country. Since 2022, the country has mandated that new wind and solar projects must be paired with equivalent battery capacity. This policy triggered a record-breaking 221 GW of applications within months, with 33 GW already approved.
In comparison, Germany and Italy, two of the EU’s top storage markets, have only reached 12–13 GW. Türkiye has created a pipeline equivalent to 83 per cent of its current wind and solar capacity. Ufuk Alparslan, the report’s author, stated:
“By mandating storage with renewables, Türkiye hasn’t just increased its targets; it has created a massive investment signal that outstrips its European peers. If delivered, Türkiye’s battery pipeline will be the backbone of a new, clean regional energy hub.”
Sci-Fi-Like Solar Facility Captivates Internet Users
The report also highlights that Türkiye has emerged as a significant model in its region in 2025. Wind and solar together account for 22 per cent of electricity generation, making Türkiye the undisputed leader among 16 countries in the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia. It is the only country in this broader region where wind and solar have surpassed a 20 per cent share of electricity generation.
Türkiye is home to the largest solar energy facility in Europe, Kalyon Karapınar SPP. This facility features around 3.5 million solar panels spread across an area of approximately 20 million square metres—equivalent to the size of 2,600 football fields.
The Central Control Building was designed by Bilgin Architects. The giant rectangular prism is clad on the exterior with reflective silver panels, while inside there is a lush courtyard oasis open to the sky. Images of the sci-fi-esque facility have impressed internet users, with one Reddit commenter suggesting it could feature in a new James Bond film and another calling it a “masterpiece.”
The project, which has been producing energy since 2023, generates nearly three billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, providing clean energy for the equivalent of a city of two million people.
Potential to Be a Pioneer for the Entire Region
Despite its progress on solar, Türkiye still trails behind many European peers, ranking 15th in Europe for wind generation and 16th for total renewables generation. To reach its 120 GW target for 2035, the country will need to triple its current solar and wind capacity—a tall order.
Coal remains Türkiye’s primary power source at 34 per cent, with two-thirds of that production relying on imports. Although production growth has begun to slow, it has yet to peak. While no new coal plants have been commissioned during the last three years, a 2025 purchase guarantee for domestic coal risks driving up coal generation in 2026, according to Ember.
However, its investments in renewables bode well for the future. Ufuk Alparslan said:
“Türkiye has a unique opportunity to turn its regional leadership in renewables into a global advantage. By accelerating its storage projects and modernising its grid, Türkiye can finally break its coal dependency. Ahead of COP31, the country is proving it has the potential to move from the ‘middle of the pack’ in Europe to a pioneer for the entire region.”
