Turkey Aiming For 5 Gigawatts Of Solar By 2023

The country of Turkey is now aiming to get at least 30% of its electricity requirements via renewable energy sources by the year 2023, based on figures put forward in the country’s new (first) National Renewable Energy Action Plan.

Of this target, the country is reportedly aiming for at least 5 gigawatts (GW) worth of that to be via solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. Altogether, the plan calls for Turkey to grow its renewable energy capacity (minus hydroelectric) roughly 7-fold in just ~8 years.

The specific goals for the growing country are: 34 GW of hydroelectric, 20 GW of wind energy, 1 GW of geothermal, 1 GW of biomass, and the aforementioned 5 GW of solar PV.

While 5 GW of capacity is nothing to sneer at, considering the great solar energy potential of the country (with regard to solar insolation levels), it could be deemed somewhat unambitious.

The plan was reportedly developed by the country’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The plan includes the identification of measures to be employed to support the facilitation of new investments into renewables in the country — including the improvement of legal processes and grid interconnection.

“This action plan is a roadmap to a big change,” stated Terry McCallion, the EBRD Director for Energy Efficiency and Climate Change. “The target is ambitious, but with determined and concerted efforts at all levels of government and with the full participation of the industry, Turkey will be able to unlock its green energy potential.”

To date, the EBRD has invested ~€5 billion into renewable energy projects, including what are, as of now, the two biggest wind energy projects in the country.

Image Credit: UpSolar