Turkey's electricity consumption over the past year, from August 2024 to July 2025, has displayed a significant reliance on fossil fuels, with more than half (approximately 56%) of its electricity generated from these sources. Specifically, coal and gas comprise nearly all of this fossil energy, with coal alone contributing almost a third. However, Turkey is making considerable strides in low-carbon or clean energy, which accounts for roughly 44% of its electricity production. Of the clean energy sources, hydropower stands out, generating over 18% of electricity, followed by wind and solar, both contributing about 10% each. Geothermal and biofuels have smaller shares, each attracting close to 3%. The inclusion of both low-carbon and fossil energy sources illustrates Turkey's ongoing transition toward more sustainable electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Turkey?
Examining the trends in electricity growth, Turkey has shown a modest increase in per capita electricity consumption, achieving a record of 3907 kWh per person in 2025, just slightly surpassing the previous year's record by 19 kWh. While this indicates a general upward trajectory in electricity consumption, there is a noticeable decline in the specific area of low-carbon electricity, with the generation dropping from a record 1770 kWh per person in 2024 to 1727 kWh per person in the following year. This reduction of 43 kWh in low-carbon generation raises concerns as it underscores a missed opportunity in strengthening commitments to sustainable energy solutions.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Turkey should focus on expanding its wind and solar capacity, capitalizing on the momentum already present in these sectors. Drawing from successful regions, Turkey can take inspiration from countries excelling in wind and solar electricity. For wind energy, Turkey can look towards Denmark, where wind energy constitutes a substantial 57% of electricity, indicating the potential for significant expansion. On the solar front, Greece, with 26% of its electricity from solar, provides a viable model for Turkey, which already benefits from abundant sunlight. Moreover, Turkey should consider boosting nuclear energy generation, drawing lessons from robust nuclear programs in countries like France and Slovakia, which see contributions as high as 69% and 64%, respectively, from nuclear power. These strategies can ensure a more stable, sustainable, and resilient electricity system.
History
Historically, Turkey's journey in low-carbon electricity reflects significant fluctuations, particularly in its hydropower sector. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hydropower experienced substantial growths and declines, with notable gains in 1988 and 1993 and substantial drops in 1989 and 1999. The early 2000s brought a similar pattern, with large increases in 2002 and 2004 followed by a downturn in 2007. A remarkable surge occurred in 2010, but setbacks in 2014 and 2015 were pronounced. The last few years (2021-2025) have shown both variability and a noteworthy advancement in solar energy, with significant increases in both 2024 and 2025. This history suggests an ongoing yet inconsistent progress towards a cleaner energy portfolio, highlighting the need for Turkey to stabilize and enhance its commitment to low-carbon electricity generation, particularly through scaling up solar and diversifying with nuclear options.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.