Electricity in Turkey in 2024

As of 2024, Turkey's electricity consumption is split almost evenly between fossil and low-carbon sources. More than half of the country's electricity, approximately 54%, comes from fossil fuels, with coal contributing the largest portion at 35%, followed by gas at 19%. Low-carbon sources make up nearly 46% of the electricity mix. Hydropower plays a significant role, accounting for close to 22% of electricity generation. Wind power contributes approximately 11%, while solar energy stands at around 8%. Smaller contributions come from geothermal and biofuels, with each providing around 3% and 2.5% of the electricity, respectively. This level of reliance on low-carbon energy highlights Turkey's progress in moving towards a more sustainable electricity sector.

Suggestions

For Turkey to increase its share of low-carbon electricity generation, expanding wind and solar capacity would be prudent, given their growing contributions. Turkey can draw lessons from countries like Denmark and Ireland, where wind power generates about 52% and 32% of electricity, respectively. By emulating these countries' successful strategies, such as investing in advanced turbine technology and optimizing wind farm locations, Turkey can significantly boost its wind energy output. In parallel, increasing the deployment of solar capacity should be a priority. Countries like Lebanon and Greece generate a significant portion of their electricity from solar, at 31% and 21% respectively, showcasing the potential for solar energy in regions with similar sunny climates. Emphasizing these clean technologies will help Turkey reduce its dependency on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change impacts, and improve air quality.

History

Historically, Turkey's low-carbon electricity generation has varied notably, especially in hydropower. Significant increases were seen in 1987, 1988, 1993, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2019, and 2022. However, these gains were often followed by declines in hydropower output in 1989, 1999, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2021, reflecting the variability of water resources. More recently, in 2024, there was a substantial development in solar power, with a notable increase of 7.3 TWh, indicating promising growth in this sector. This historical perspective underscores the importance of diversifying low-carbon energy sources to include more consistent technologies such as solar and wind, alongside hydropower, to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply for Turkey.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources