Turkey Receives 350 Million Dollar Boost in First Quarter Wind Energy Investments

Turkey has received a significant boost to its renewable energy sector with wind power investments reaching 350 million dollars in the first quarter of 2026. The country expanded its wind energy capacity by more than 300 megawatts between January and March according to Ibrahim Erden head of the Turkish Wind Energy Association.

The substantial investment of nearly 350 million dollars represents strong momentum in Turkey’s renewable energy transition. In comparison 2025 saw investments exceed 2 billion dollars adding more than 2000MW of capacity to the national grid.

Looking ahead the wind energy sector expects installations to surpass last year’s performance with additions projected to reach 2500MW in 2026. This would require total investments of approximately 2.5 billion dollars. Erden forecasts that annual wind installations will rise to 4000MW to 5000MW by 2028-2029.

Turkey’s total installed electricity capacity reached 125000MW as of March 2026 with wind energy accounting for a 12 percent share at 15000MW. Combined with 26500MW of solar power renewables made up 62 percent of the total capacity.

The expansion is helping Turkey reduce its dependence on imported energy. According to industry estimates every 1000MW of new wind capacity helps avoid approximately 250 million dollars in natural gas imports. Based on last year’s installations the country prevented more than 500 million dollars in natural gas imports.

In March Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that the Turkish government has pledged to invest 80 billion dollars into renewable energy by 2035 to reach its 120000MW installed capacity target.

Erden highlighted the importance of Renewable Energy Resource Zone tenders which are expected to remain a key mechanism for expanding wind investments. The industry is prepared to deliver 7000MW annually if the necessary financing framework and investment conditions are established.

Turkey currently ranks second in Europe for wind power expansion and continues to build on strong performance from the previous year. The sector expects construction and installation activity to accelerate particularly during the summer months when conditions are more favorable.

The country has also announced plans for its first offshore wind farm tenders by the end of 2026 as part of efforts to diversify its renewable energy portfolio and tap into additional wind resources along its coastlines.