Full Breakdown
Turkey’s Solar Capacity Accelerates, Poised to Overtake Hydropower in 2026
6/1/2026, 9:20:14 PM
Solar Capacity Surge in Early 2026
Türkiye’s cumulative solar capacity reached 26,769 MW by the end of April 2026, according to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. The ministry reports that 1.97 GW of solar was installed between January and April, raising Türkiye’s total installed electricity capacity to 125,410 MW. Solar now accounts for 21.3 % of the electricity mix, becoming the second-largest source after hydroelectric power and overtaking natural gas.
Renewable Energy Landscape in Early 2026
Renewable sources together represent 62.5 % of Türkiye’s installed capacity (78,377 MW). Wind power grew to 15,075 MW (12 % of the mix), while solar’s 26,769 MW makes it the fastest-growing segment. Combined, wind and solar contribute 41,844 MW, or 33.3 % of total capacity. Hydropower remains the single largest source at 32,338 MW (25.8 %). Natural gas follows at 25,013 MW (20 %). Domestic coal and imported coal account for 11,565 MW (9.2 %) and 10,456 MW (8.3 %) respectively, with biomass (2,396 MW) and geothermal (1,798 MW) providing smaller shares.
Capacity Numbers at a Glance
- Solar: 26,769 MW (21.3 %)
- Wind: 15,075 MW (12 %)
- Hydropower: 32,338 MW (25.8 %)
- Natural gas: 25,013 MW (20 %)
- Domestic coal: 11,565 MW (9.2 %)
- Imported coal: 10,456 MW (8.3 %)
- Biomass: 2,396 MW (1.9 %)
- Geothermal: 1,798 MW (1.4 %)
The government aims to raise combined wind-solar capacity to 120,000 MW by 2035, backed by an estimated $30 billion investment.
Projected Shift in Power Mix
If the minister’s forecast holds, solar will surpass hydropower by the end of 2026, becoming the largest single source of installed capacity. This shift would increase the share of variable renewables in the system, supporting Türkiye’s long-term climate target of net-zero emissions by 2035 and reducing reliance on fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal.
Government Outlook and Policy
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar described 2026 as a “record year” for solar deployment and projected at least 7.5 GW of new solar capacity for the year. He linked the expansion to Türkiye’s climate and energy objectives, noting a $30 billion investment plan and an upcoming mass ceremony led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to mark further renewable-energy projects.
Verbatim Quotes
- “By the end of this year, solar power will surpass hydropower to reach the top spot in total installed capacity,” — Alparslan Bayraktar, Energy and Natural Resources Minister
- “Bayraktar said solar power is expected to soon become the largest single source in the system.” — Alparslan Bayraktar
- “He added that renewable energy continues to expand its share in line with Türkiye’s long-term climate and energy targets, including its 2035 net-zero emissions ambition.” — Alparslan Bayraktar
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both sources present identical capacity figures and forecasts; no discrepancies are identified. Detailed timelines for the $30 billion investment and the specific projects to be inaugurated at the upcoming ceremony remain unspecified.
Outlook for 2026–2035
The scheduled ceremony with President Erdogan is expected to showcase new solar and wind installations, reinforcing the trajectory toward 120 GW of combined wind-solar capacity by 2035. Continued growth in solar capacity will be central to achieving Türkiye’s renewable-energy share and net-zero goals.
