Turkey's electricity consumption over the past year, spanning from May 2024 to April 2025, illustrates a notable division between fossil and low-carbon energy sources. More than half of the electricity was generated from fossil energy sources, with coal and gas contributing 34% and 22%, respectively. On the cleaner side of the spectrum, low-carbon sources constituted about 44% of the overall electricity, showcasing a promising yet challenging pathway towards a more sustainable future. Among the low-carbon sources, hydropower was the most significant contributor, providing 19% of the electricity. Wind and solar also made meaningful impacts, contributing about 11% and 9% respectively, while geothermal and biofuels played smaller roles, each accounting for 2.5% of the electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Turkey?
Recent electricity consumption figures in Turkey hint at a slight decline, both in overall consumption and low-carbon electricity generation. The most recent data in 2025 shows that the average electricity consumption is 3882 kWh per person, slightly lower than the 2024 record of 3888 kWh per person, marking a decrease of 6 kWh per person. Similarly, there has been a decrease in low-carbon electricity production, which is now at 1713 kWh per person, down from the 2024 mark of 1770 kWh per person—a decline of 57 kWh per person. This trend is concerning, as the overall demand for more electricity—especially low-carbon electricity—is essential in driving towards a future less dependent on fossil energy.
Suggestions
Turkey has the potential to bolster its low-carbon electricity generation significantly, particularly by leveraging and expanding existing wind capacity. Learning from regions with successful wind and nuclear energy adoption can be instrumental. For instance, Denmark generates 57% of its electricity from wind, setting an impressive benchmark for wind energy utilization. Similarly, embracing nuclear energy can enhance Turkey's low-carbon profile, with countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine generating between 55% and 69% of their electricity from nuclear sources. Additionally, Turkey can look to solar leaders, such as Lebanon, where 31% of electricity is generated from solar energy, as a model for expanding its solar capabilities.
History
Turkey's history with low-carbon electricity reflects a dynamic evolution, particularly highlighted by hydroelectric power developments. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, periods of significant growth in hydroelectricity generation were punctuated with years of decline, illustrating a somewhat volatile progression. A more pronounced upswing appeared in the 2000s, with notable increases in 2002 and 2004. However, during recent years, fluctuations continued with significant positive periods in 2015 and 2019, each marking remarkable increases, though they were often followed by significant declines such as in 2014 and 2021. The slight resurgence in hydropower generation in 2022 and 2024 suggests potential for growth if consistently nurtured, while the 2024 data also marks a promising increase in solar power, hinting at a new avenue for Turkey's clean energy future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.