Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar announced that a new reform package, which includes regulations aimed at shortening the permit process for energy and mining projects, is expected to be enacted in parliament this week.
Speaking at the “From Source to Technology: Turkey’s Renewable Energy Journey” panel held at the SDN Tech Expo at Istanbul Yenikapı Eurasia Show and Art Center, Minister Bayraktar noted that Turkey’s installed wind and solar power capacity has reached nearly 33,000 megawatts, thanks to the work carried out over the past 15 years.
Recalling President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s declaration of Turkey’s renewable energy targets during last year’s COP29 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Baku, Bayraktar emphasized the country’s goal to reach 120,000 megawatts of installed renewable energy capacity by 2035.
“We plan to add 90,000 megawatts of new capacity in solar and wind within the next 10 years. This means an annual increase of 8,000 to 9,000 megawatts,” said Bayraktar. “To achieve this, we need financing. And to attract financing, we must streamline the permitting process.”
Bayraktar stated that current permitting processes for renewable energy projects can take up to 3–4 years. “This week, a reform package that will shorten pre-investment permit times—especially for wind and solar projects—will be brought to the General Assembly of Parliament. If the permitting process is faster, financing will come more quickly,” he explained.
He also highlighted the significance of rooftop solar power systems, as they allow electricity to be consumed where it is produced, minimizing transmission and distribution losses. Bayraktar emphasized the government’s intent to develop a model that supports on-site consumption and accelerates the permitting of small-scale rooftop applications. “While large-scale international projects will continue, we will also expand rooftop solar installations for homes, industries, and organized industrial zones,” he said.
Global Electrification Trend Gaining Momentum
Bayraktar pointed out that one of the global trends shaping the energy landscape is electrification. He noted that securing energy from zero-emission clean sources is becoming increasingly important as electricity demand continues to rise both in Turkey and globally.
“With the rise of artificial intelligence, big data, and technological advancements, the importance of electrification and the demand for it are growing. Key questions like who will control this process and how to acquire these resources more affordably are now uniting the worlds of energy and technology,” Bayraktar said.
Following the panel, Minister Bayraktar toured the SDN Tech Expo technology stands and posed for photos with participants.
Source: Bloomberght/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök