Türkiye has made significant progress in modernising its energy system and expanding cleaner sources of power and strengthening regional energy connections providing a strong foundation to meet rising demand and strengthen energy security, according to a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The IEA's Türkiye 2026 Energy Policy Review finds that the country is at a pivotal point in the development of its energy sector. Türkiye has established a comprehensive energy and climate policy framework, and its first Climate Law, adopted in 2025, marked an important milestone by strengthening climate governance and establishing the legal framework for a national emissions trading system. The priority now is to translate these plans and policies into effective implementation.
Strong economic and population growth continue to reshape Türkiye's energy needs. Electricity demand increased by almost 5% a year on average between 2005 and 2024, the fastest rate among IEA Member countries, and is expected to continue rising through 2035. Meeting this demand while maintaining affordability and strengthening system resilience will require sustained investment across the energy sector.
Cleaner sources of electricity are already expanding rapidly. Renewables supplied 43% of Türkiye's electricity generation in 2025, and the National Energy Plan foresees their share rising to 55% by 2035. Solar capacity is expected to almost quadruple between 2024 and 2035, while wind capacity is expected to triple. Nuclear power is also set to become part of Türkiye's electricity mix, further diversifying supply.
The IEA report highlights the importance of ensuring that electricity networks, storage and other sources of flexibility need to keep pace with this expansion. Türkiye is planning a major expansion of its transmission system through 2035, alongside 7.5 GW of additional battery storage capacity, to help integrate growing volumes of renewable electricity while maintaining reliable system operation.
Türkiye also occupies a strategically important position in regional energy markets as a link between Europe, the Middle East and the Caspian region. Its extensive gas infrastructure connects it with a range of suppliers and neighbouring markets, including through the Southern Gas Corridor, while five LNG terminals provide additional supply options.
"Türkiye has built strong foundations for the next phase of its energy development, with impressive growth in renewables, major investments in infrastructure and an increasingly important role in regional energy markets," said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. "The task now is to build on this progress. As energy demand continues to grow rapidly, accelerating investment in grids, flexibility and energy efficiency can strengthen Türkiye's energy security, support its economic competitiveness and reduce its exposure to volatile international fuel prices."
"Energy independence and security of supply form the backbone of Türkiye's National Energy Strategy," said Türkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar. "In an era of unprecedented global disruptions, we have strengthened our resilience through historic domestic natural gas and oil discoveries, transformative renewable capacity additions, and massive infrastructure investments. As we build a new electricity-centric energy architecture, we are not only ensuring our national energy security but also positioning Türkiye as a central, reliable energy hub for our region. The IEA's comprehensive review confirms the strength of our vision, and we look forward to deepening our strategic collaboration as we accelerate our energy transition, enhance market flexibility, and build a sustainable, self-sufficient energy future."
The IEA review also points to opportunities to strengthen Türkiye's domestic energy supply. The country is expanding renewable energy and developing nuclear power, while increasing domestic natural gas production from recent Black Sea discoveries. At full capacity, the Sakarya gas field is expected to produce 16.5 billion cubic metres a year, equivalent to more than a quarter of Türkiye's 2024 gas consumption.
The IEA review identifies further opportunities across Türkiye's energy system, including completing energy market reforms, strengthening electricity system flexibility, establishing viable financing frameworks for nuclear power and accelerating improvements in energy efficiency. It also calls for a more integrated approach to industrial competitiveness that brings together energy security, climate and economic objectives. With continued policy implementation and investment, Türkiye is well placed to build a more secure, resilient and competitive energy system while reinforcing its important role in regional energy markets, the report finds.
