Turkey Aims for 120,000 MW Solar and Wind Capacity by 2035 to Meet Net Zero Goals

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Turkey’s ambitious target to reach 120,000 megawatts (MW) of combined solar and wind power capacity by 2035, backed by $80 billion in investments, as part of its 2053 net-zero emissions pledge, Anadolu Agency reported.

Speaking at a renewable energy ceremony in Ankara, Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s rise to 5th in Europe and 11th globally in renewable capacity, with renewables now constituting 60% of its 118,185 MW total installed power.

The president highlighted Turkey’s dramatic solar growth—from zero in 2005 to 21,833 MW today—and plans to streamline permit approvals for projects from 48 to 18 months. A green transmission infrastructure is underway, including 5,000 MW of offshore wind capacity by 2035. Erdogan cited Turkey’s vast potential: 180 billion kWh/year in hydroelectricity, 140,000 MW from wind, and 53,000 MW from floating solar.

In 2024 alone, Turkey added 6,818 MW of renewable capacity (98% of new installations), saving 12.5 million tons of CO₂ and $1.3 billion in gas imports. Local manufacturing has surged, with 500 renewable component producers (up from 27 in 2014) and 75% domestic content in solar panels.