As of 2024, Turkey's electricity consumption shows a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with more than half (about 53%) coming from coal and gas sources alone. Coal is the largest fossil contributor, accounting for almost 34% of the total electricity, while gas makes up around 18%. On the other hand, Turkey is also making notable strides toward low-carbon electricity generation, reaching close to 47% of its electricity mix. This clean energy portion is largely due to hydropower, which contributes nearly 22%, and wind and solar power, which together account for roughly 20%. While biofuels and geothermal collectively make up a smaller slice at around 5%, their combined presence reinforces Turkey's commitment to diversifying its electricity sources with sustainable options.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Turkey?
Electricity consumption in Turkey is on the rise, marking a new milestone in 2024. The average electricity usage has increased to 3,841 kWh per person, outstripping the previous record set in 2021 by 155 kWh. This upward trend is also reflected in low-carbon electricity generation, which reached a new high of 1,793 kWh per person, growing by 233 kWh since 2023. Such growth in both general and low-carbon electricity consumption illustrates a positive trajectory that is vital for supporting the country's modernization and electrification efforts. Despite these advancements, the sustained reliance on fossil fuels remains a significant concern, highlighting an urgent need for further expansion of Turkey's clean electricity infrastructure.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation capacity, Turkey should prioritize the expansion of its wind sector, an area where it already demonstrates significant capacity. Learning from regions like Denmark and Iowa, where wind contributes close to or more than 60% of the electricity mix, Turkey can significantly enhance wind power's role, leveraging its geographic and climatic potential. Additionally, Turkey can look toward successful nuclear power implementations in countries such as France, where nuclear energy supplies a substantial 70% of the electricity. Meanwhile, increasing investment in solar technology can be guided by regions like California, which utilizes solar for nearly 30% of its electricity generation. By strategically focusing on these sectors, Turkey can ensure a robust and sustainable energy future.
History
In reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity in Turkey, hydropower has been a variable yet critical component. In the late 1980s, hydropower generation showed inconsistent growth with a significant dip of 11 TWh in 1989. However, the 1990s and early 2000s saw periodic surges, notably a 10.8 TWh increase in 2004. The last decade has been characterized by fluctuations, with notable reductions in 2014 and 2021, signaling challenges in stable hydropower generation. Concurrently, wind power positively impacted generation in 2021, adding 6.6 TWh. The year 2024 marked breakthroughs in both hydro and solar with respective contributions of 10.1 TWh and 8.1 TWh. This underscores Turkey's gradual shift towards diversifying and strengthening its low-carbon electricity capacity, preparing a more robust foundation for sustainable growth.
