Turkey's solar and wind output overtakes coal in electricity mix for first time
Electricity generation from solar and wind in Turkey has surpassed coal-fired output for the first time. The shift comes as renewable capacity is expanding fast and demand patterns enter the high-consumption summer phase, marking a critical milestone in the country's energy transition.
Reports drawing on data from Turkey's Energy Market Regulatory Authority show that solar and wind output overtook coal-fired generation for the first time. Renewables now account for nearly 25% of the annual electricity mix, while coal has fallen to around 24%.
Large-scale solar plants commissioned in recent years and wind farms in the Aegean and Marmara regions have been the main drivers of the shift. Installed renewable capacity passed 28 gigawatts at the start of 2026, with planned auctions expected to take that to 38 gigawatts by the end of 2027.
Experts say the transition could help reduce Turkey's energy import bill. They also stress that investment in grid storage and transmission lines will be critical to make the move sustainable, given the intermittent nature of solar and wind generation.
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