Turkey has made progress in expanding renewable energy and strengthening its energy infrastructure, but must accelerate investment in electricity grids, storage and energy efficiency as demand rises, the International Energy Agency said in a note on Friday.
The IEA said that electricity demand in Turkey rose by about 5% a year on average between 2005 and 2024, the fastest growth among member countries, and is projected to continue rising through 2035.
The rapid growth presents a challenge for Turkey as it seeks to maintain affordable and reliable energy supplies while reducing exposure to volatile international fuel prices.
The IEA said that renewables accounted for 43% of Turkey's electricity generation in 2025, a significant increase as the country expanded solar and wind capacity. The government's National Energy Plan targets a renewable share of 55% by 2035.
Solar capacity is projected to almost quadruple between 2024 and 2035, while wind capacity is projected to triple, the agency said.
Turkey is also preparing to bring nuclear power into its electricity mix, which would further diversify its energy supply.
"Turkey has built strong foundations for the next phase of its energy development," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said, citing the country's renewable growth, infrastructure investment and expanding role in regional energy markets.
Birol said that the next priority should be implementation, particularly investment in networks and flexibility, as growing renewable generation places new demands on the power system.
Turkey plans a major expansion of its transmission network through 2035 and is targeting 7.5 gigawatts of additional battery storage capacity. The IEA said that such investment will be needed to integrate intermittent solar and wind generation while maintaining grid stability.
The country's strategic location between Europe, the Middle East and the Caspian region has also strengthened its role in regional energy markets.
Its gas infrastructure links the country to multiple suppliers and neighbouring markets, including through the Southern Gas Corridor, while five LNG terminals provide additional sources of supply.
Turkey is also seeking to increase domestic energy production to improve security of supply and reduce its dependence on imports.
Natural gas production from the Black Sea is projected to become an increasingly important part of that strategy. The Sakarya gas field is projected to reach annual production of 16.5 billion cubic meters at full capacity, equivalent to more than a quarter of Turkey's 2024 gas consumption, the IEA said.
Turkey has also expanded renewable generation and is developing nuclear power as part of a broader effort to diversify its energy mix.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said domestic gas and oil discoveries, renewable capacity additions and infrastructure investment had strengthened the country's resilience to global energy disruptions.