From sales market to strategic industrial hub for wind power From Hamburg to the world: EEHH Cluster attends the Turkish Wind Energy Conference

Türkiye is one of the fastest-growing wind energy markets in Europe. While its first law to promote renewable energy was introduced in 2005, the expansion of wind power only truly gathered momentum in the 2010s. Through large-scale state tenders (the YEKA model), the Turkish government aims to accelerate the development of renewable energy generation while simultaneously building a robust domestic wind industry.

This strategy is already yielding results: by the end of 2025, installed capacity reached around 15 GW. Accounting for approximately 11% of the national electricity mix, wind power is now a vital component of Türkiye’s energy supply. At the same time, the country is increasingly developing into a strategically important industrial and manufacturing base with high local value creation for Europe and the Middle East. In mid-May, EEHH colleague Jingkai Shi (International Cooperation on Renewable Energies) attended the 15th Turkish Wind Energy Conference in Ankara. In this article, he reports on his impressions and insights.

Energy security is a national priority

The crises in Ukraine and the Middle East have sparked intense discussions around energy security that extend well beyond Europe’s borders. This was particularly evident at the 15th Turkish Wind Energy Conference in Ankara. “The expansion of wind energy contributes to our country’s energy independence and strengthens our competitiveness and prosperity,” Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated during his keynote speech. For the Turkish Wind Energy Association (TÜREB), the time has come to rethink and reshape Türkiye’s energy supply. Wind energy is no longer an option; it is an obligation.

Fossil fuels like gas and coal still play a dominant role in power generation, together accounting for more than 50% of electricity production in 2025. Moreover, Türkiye has to import nearly 71% of its energy needs. The vulnerability caused by this heavy reliance on imports has become starkly apparent since the outbreak of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz. From an economic perspective, these energy imports place an additional burden on Türkiye’s already strained finances. In addition, oil and gas prices are expected to rise further given the uncertain outcome of geopolitical crises in the region.

Strong commitment from German companies

Over several decades, German OEMs like Enercon and Nordex have built up highly localised product portfolios and comprehensive service networks in Türkiye. This long-term commitment to the market is paying off: with 8 GW of installed capacity between them, the two turbine manufacturers are currently among the market leaders. Recent investment plans further underscore that Türkiye remains a vital growth market for German wind companies.

On the fringes of the conference, Enercon announced the construction of a new manufacturing facility in Bergama, located in the Izmir province. The plant will produce the E-175 EP5 E2 turbine model, which features a rated output of 7 MW. The new facility is designed for a production capacity of up to 150 rotor blades per year and will employ 700 staff. While this new turbine type is primarily being manufactured for Türkiye, the site is also intended to supply Eastern and Southern Europe.

Concurrently with the conference, Nordex launched production for its new N163 and N175 models in Menemen, also in the Izmir province. The goal is to meet the growing demand for highly efficient onshore wind turbines. At full capacity, the plant can produce up to 1,200 rotor blades annually, employing a total of 1,200 people across production and administration. In addition to supplying the YEKA projects, Nordex plans to offer these turbines on international markets.

Building local value creation through “YEKA”

YEKA (which translates into English as “Renewable Energy Resource Areas”) is one of the Turkish government’s key industrial policy instruments for driving the expansion of renewable energy (wind and solar). The state designates large zones and awards them to project developers and investors via public auctions, provided they meet specific YEKA requirements.

A central criterion here is the creation of local value. The winning consortium is expected to establish manufacturing capacities for wind energy technology, create new jobs, or set up research activities within Türkiye. In return, the state grants winners long-term power purchase agreements for the generated wind power alongside guaranteed feed-in tariffs.

YEKA effectively bridges energy and industrial policy, aiming to lower Türkiye’s energy imports and costs while simultaneously transforming the country into a strategic regional wind energy hub.

Venturing into offshore wind

Türkiye’s greatest wind energy potential lies offshore, a resource that remains virtually untapped. The Turkish government now intends to replicate the success story of onshore wind at sea and is planning major tenders. The western areas of the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara are considered the most promising locations for offshore wind projects.

At the conference in Ankara, Minister Bayraktar presented these plans in detail. The Turkish Ministry of Energy has identified four zones in the Aegean (Saros, Gökçeada, Bozcaada, and Edremit) and aims to achieve a capacity of 5 GW by 2035. The first YEKA offshore tender will be launched as soon as the approval processes are complete.

Bayraktar also announced that Türkiye will invest around US$30 billion in grid infrastructure by 2035. Total installed capacity for wind and solar energy is set to rise to 120 GW over the same period.

Expanding grid connectivity plays a critical role here – not only for the planned offshore wind farms, but also for cross-border interconnectors to several neighbouring countries. Ultimately, Türkiye aims to establish itself as a regional hub for energy supply and trading between Europe, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.

Conclusion

Backed by political will and foreign investment, Türkiye is making remarkable progress in expanding its wind energy capacity. The implementation of the YEKA tenders has proven to be an effective tool for strengthening the domestic wind industry. It remains to be seen whether this positive effect can be replicated to the same extent in the targeted offshore expansion.

The challenges ahead are complex and multifaceted. From grid connections to port infrastructure, and not least the persistently strained financial climate, the framework conditions are tough and create investment uncertainty. Particularly for projects with long lead times, such as offshore wind farms, high capital costs could negatively impact the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE). The involvement of international institutions such as KfW, IPEX-Bank, and the World Bank will therefore be a crucial factor in making these projects viable.

Yet despite economic difficulties, international investor interest in Türkiye remains high. The country’s growing demand for electricity and the political commitment to reducing energy dependence are seen as distinct opportunities, allowing the market to be viewed with continued optimism.