Turkey Sets 120 GW Renewable Target by 2035 Amid Global Energy Strain

Context At the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar warned that maintaining energy security has never been more difficult. He linked recent pandemics, supply‑chain disruptions and regional conflicts to a “tectonic transformation” of the global energy sector. Turkey’s strategy, he said, hinges on expanding domestic renewables and nuclear power while still exploiting its oil and gas reserves.

Key Facts - Turkey’s 2035 goal: 120 GW of combined solar and wind capacity. This figure translates to roughly three times the nation’s current renewable output. - Nuclear ambition: at least 20 GW of nuclear generation, including a planned 5‑GW small modular reactor, with additional plants slated for the Sinop and Trakya regions. - Fossil fuel outlook: the country will continue to develop the Sakarya gas field and pursue overseas oil projects, acknowledging that oil and gas will remain part of the energy mix for years. - Climate focus: Turkey is preparing to host COP31, signaling a diplomatic push to align domestic policy with global climate goals.

What It Means If Turkey meets the 120 GW renewable target, the nation could meet a substantial share of its projected electricity demand, which is expected to rise due to artificial‑intelligence applications and e‑mobility. The nuclear expansion aims to provide baseload power—steady output that complements intermittent solar and wind generation—thereby reducing reliance on imported fuels.

The dual track of renewables and nuclear reflects a pragmatic approach: diversify supply, lower carbon emissions, and hedge against geopolitical shocks that have tightened global energy markets. Successful implementation will require massive investment in grid infrastructure, storage solutions, and skilled labor, as well as regulatory certainty for private developers.

Looking Ahead Watch for the rollout of Turkey’s first large‑scale solar farms and the approval timeline for the Sinop nuclear plant, both of which will indicate how quickly the 2035 targets can become reality.