Under Türkiye’s Renewable Energy Resource Area (YEKA) scheme, a total of 6,020 megawatts of installed capacity has been allocated to solar and wind energy projects to date. According to information compiled by AA from sector sources, Türkiye will continue holding at least 2,000 megawatts of YEKA tenders each year until 2035 to boost the share of renewables in electricity generation.
Earlier this year, as a result of the YEKA Wind Power Plant (WPP) 2024 competitions, a total connection capacity of 1,200 megawatts was allocated across five YEKA zones in three provinces. Additionally, contracts for projects totaling 800 megawatts under the YEKA Solar Power Plant (SPP) 2024 tenders—covering six areas—were signed this year.
Applications for YEKA SPP 2025 will open on November 18, while YEKA WPP 2025 applications will be accepted starting December 2.
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YEKA Formula Supports Rising Electricity Demand
Between 2000 and 2024, Türkiye’s annual electricity demand grew by an average of 4.3%, in parallel with its expanding economy. To meet the rapidly increasing energy needs, harnessing domestic energy sources and integrating new technologies into the production portfolio has gained importance.
In line with this objective, the YEKA Regulation was published in the Official Gazette in October 2016, launching a new investment model for evaluating renewable energy resources.
Since then, tenders have allocated capacity for facilities with 6,020 megawatts of installed power—3,170 megawatts from solar and 2,850 megawatts from wind.
Renewable energy plays a crucial role in Türkiye’s efforts to combat climate change and ensure energy supply security. According to the 2035 Roadmap, the country aims to reach 120,000 megawatts of installed capacity from wind and solar by that year.
To manage rising targets and address the intermittency of renewable sources, Türkiye plans to reinforce its grid infrastructure. Preparing the network—currently comprising 76,000 km of transmission lines and 1.5 million km of distribution lines—for increased renewable capacity will require approximately 30 billion dollars in investment by 2035. Moreover, 25,000 km of new high-voltage lines and additional transformer substations will be commissioned.
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YEKA Unlocks Billions in Investment Opportunities
Alper Kalaycı, Chairman of the Energy Industrialists and Businesspeople Association (ENSİA), told AA that investments following YEKA tenders will significantly contribute to the country through increased installed power and the advancement of energy technologies.
He emphasized that YEKA tenders will attract billions of lira to Türkiye’s wind and solar sectors.
“YEKA tenders offer serious advantages for companies producing domestic components in the renewable energy sector. As a sector, we expect the YEKA tender calendar to be announced in advance. A clear plan allows our industrialists to make long-term decisions,” Kalaycı said.
He added that the projects boost demand for key equipment such as turbine blades, towers, generators in wind energy, and solar panels and related components in solar energy. This not only increases domestic production but also fosters technological development.
“YEKA projects support existing production facilities in the long term and encourage new companies to enter the sector, contributing to the establishment of new manufacturing plants,” Kalaycı noted.
Source: Anadolu Ajansı/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök