Electricity in Turkey in 2023/2024

In Turkey, electricity consumption from August 2023 to July 2024 demonstrates a reliance on both fossil and low-carbon sources, with fossil fuels still providing slightly more than half of the country's electricity at around 53%. Specifically, coal and natural gas are significant contributors, comprising almost a third and close to a fifth of the total electricity, respectively. However, Turkey is making strides in low-carbon electricity generation, with low-carbon sources collectively accounting for approximately 46% of the total. Hydropower is a significant contributor to clean electricity, providing almost a quarter of total consumption. Wind energy is the next largest source of low-carbon electricity, contributing a bit more than 11%, while solar energy accounts for close to 8%. Other clean sources like geothermal and biofuels contribute smaller amounts, around 3% each.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Turkey could focus on expanding its wind energy capacity, capitalizing on its proven success in this sector. Denmark's success in generating a remarkable 59% of its electricity from wind serves as an inspiring model for Turkey. Likewise, with a focus on solar energy, Turkey might benefit from Greece's approach, where solar energy provides nearly 22% of its electricity. Moreover, Turkey could consider enhancing its clean energy portfolio by exploring nuclear energy, given its impactful role in countries like France and Slovakia, where over half of electricity is derived from nuclear power. These examples highlight the potential for Turkey to diversify and expand its low-carbon electricity infrastructure, thus reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, which contribute to environmental issues such as climate change and air pollution.

History

Historically, Turkey's low-carbon electricity generation has seen various fluctuations, particularly in hydropower. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there were notable increases in hydropower production, with significant growth in 1988 and 1993. However, this was offset by declines in certain years, particularly 1989, 1999, and 2001. The early 2000s saw a recovery and growth in hydropower, notably in 2002 and 2004, and a significant growth surge in 2010. Despite some years of decline, such as in 2014 and 2021, hydropower experienced substantial growth in 2015, 2019, and the most recent years, 2023 and 2024. In the 2023/2024 period, solar energy contributed positively, highlighting its growing role in Turkey's energy mix. Turkey's journey reflects both significant potential and volatile challenges in harnessing its low-carbon resources.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources