Electricity in Turkey

Each year, about 300 TWh of electricity is used in Turkey: this supplies almost a quarter of the total final energy demand,{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=37}}{{Rp|page=19}} the rest being from coal, oil and gas.{{Cite web|title=Turkey Energy Balance|url=https://www.iea.org/sankey/#?c=Turkey&s=Balance|access-date=2022-02-05|website=International Energy Agency|archive-date=2022-02-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209191513/https://www.iea.org/sankey/#?c=Turkey&s=Balance|url-status=live}} Due to air conditioning demand peaks in summer:{{Cite web|title=Turkey breaks power consumption record on stifling hot day - Latest News|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-breaks-power-consumption-record-on-stifling-hot-day-165921|access-date=2021-07-03|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=30 June 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2022-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111085140/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-breaks-power-consumption-record-on-stifling-hot-day-165921|url-status=live}} with August highest (32 TWh in 2021) and February typically lowest (24 TWh in 2021).{{Cite web|title=Türkiye'de elektrik tüketimi yüzde 12 arttı|url=https://www.trthaber.com/haber/ekonomi/turkiyede-elektrik-tuketimi-yuzde-12-artti-643920.html|access-date=2022-01-21|website=www.trthaber.com|date=11 January 2022 |language=tr|archive-date=2022-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121183526/https://www.trthaber.com/haber/ekonomi/turkiyede-elektrik-tuketimi-yuzde-12-artti-643920.html|url-status=live}} Total national consumption divided by the population is under 4,000 kWh a year, much below the average of around 10,000 kWh a year for other OECD countries in Europe,{{cite journal |last1=Bulut |first1=Mehmet |title=Analysis of The Covid-19 Impact on Electricity Consumption and Production |journal=Sakarya University Journal of Computer and Information Sciences |date=30 December 2020 |volume=3 |issue=3 |pages=283–295 |doi=10.35377/saucis.03.03.817595 |doi-access=free }}{{Rp|page=17}} but half as much again as the global average.{{sfnp|Brown|2021|page=3}} Shares of energy usage in 2019 totaled 45% for industry, 29% for services and 21% for households.{{Cite report|url=https://www.pwc.com.tr/overview-of-the-turkish-electricity-market|title=Overview of the Turkish Electricity Market|last=|date=October 2021|publisher=PricewaterhouseCoopers|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-06|archive-date=2021-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128130626/https://www.pwc.com.tr/overview-of-the-turkish-electricity-market}}{{Rp|page=16}} Consumption is forecast to increase.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=19}}

{{As of|2021}}, household electricity consumption is estimated to average 230 kWh a month and is dominated by refrigerators, followed by televisions then washing machines.{{Cite news|title=Elektriğe zam: Ayda 150 kilovatsaatin altında elektrik tüketmek mümkün mü?|language=tr|trans-title=Electricity price increase: Is consuming less than 150 kWh a month possible?|work=BBC News Türkçe|url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-59898598|access-date=2022-01-17|archive-date=2022-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117120010/https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-turkiye-59898598|url-status=live}} Space heating and electric vehicles have the biggest potential for demand side response.{{Cite web|title=Sector coupling for grid integration of wind and solar|url=https://www.shura.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Sector_coupling_for_grid_integration_of_wind_and_solar.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711030231/https://www.shura.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Sector_coupling_for_grid_integration_of_wind_and_solar.pdf |archive-date=2021-07-11 }}{{Rp|page=51}}

Between 2019 and 2024, Turkey plans to invest US$11 billion into energy efficiency;{{cite news|date=10 April 2019|title=Turkey set to invest $11 billion in energy efficiency|agency=Anadolu Agency|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-set-to-invest-11-billion-in-energy-efficiency-142556|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418072553/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-set-to-invest-11-billion-in-energy-efficiency-142556|url-status=live}} and by 2035 replace 80% of electricity meters with smart meters.{{cite news|date=26 April 2018|title=Turkey sets its roadmap for smart grids|agency=Anadolu Agency|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/energy/electricity/turkey-sets-its-roadmap-for-smart-grids/19809|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=26 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126182913/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/energy/electricity/turkey-sets-its-roadmap-for-smart-grids/19809|url-status=live}} Electricity's share of energy consumption is expected to increase, from 22% in 2019 to perhaps 28% in 2040, partly due to electrification of road transport.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=32}}

Demand forecasting is important, because constructing too much electricity generation capacity can be expensive, both for government energy subsidies and private sector debt interest.{{sfnp|World Bank|2015|page=31}}{{cite journal |last1=Tagliapietra |first1=Simone |last2=Zachmann |first2=Georg |last3=Fredriksson |first3=Gustav |title=Estimating the cost of capital for wind energy investments in Turkey |journal=Energy Policy |date=August 2019 |volume=131 |pages=295–301 |doi=10.1016/j.enpol.2019.05.011 |bibcode=2019EnPol.131..295T |s2cid=182735251 |url=https://www.bruegel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/wp-05-2019.pdf }} Conversely, constructing too little risks delaying the health benefits of electrification, the biggest of which is cleaner air due to fossil fuel phase-out.{{sfnp|Akyazı et al|2020|p=6}}

Distribution companies, some retail companies, and industrial zones send their demand forecasts to the Energy Ministry and the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAŞ) every year.{{Rp|page=21}} TEİAŞ then publishes low, base and high 10 year forecasts,{{Rp|page=21}} using the "DECADES" model; whereas the Energy Ministry uses the "Model for Analysis of Energy Demand".{{Cite web|last=Yuksel|first=Ibrahim|year=2021|title=An Investigation the effects of the Hydropower Plants on Climate Change and Environmental Issues in Turkey|url=https://iksadyayinevi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ENERGY-PRODUCTION-TRANSPORTATION-AND-ENVIRONMENTAL-EFFECTS.pdf#page=122|access-date=2022-02-10|archive-date=2022-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210164817/https://iksadyayinevi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ENERGY-PRODUCTION-TRANSPORTATION-AND-ENVIRONMENTAL-EFFECTS.pdf#page=122|url-status=live}}

Some official demand forecasts are overestimated,{{sfnp|Ayas|2020|p=13}}{{Cite book|last1=Dincer|first1=Ibrahim|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NpopBAAAQBAJ&q=turkey+electricity+overestimate&pg=PA563|title=Progress in Exergy, Energy, and the Environment|last2=Midilli|first2=Adnan|last3=Kucuk|first3=Haydar|date=2014-06-17|publisher=Springer|isbn=978-3-319-04681-5|page=563|language=en|access-date=2020-10-02|archive-date=2022-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310122303/https://books.google.com/books?id=NpopBAAAQBAJ&q=turkey+electricity+overestimate&pg=PA563|url-status=live}}{{cite journal |last1=Ünler |first1=Alper |title=Improvement of energy demand forecasts using swarm intelligence: The case of Turkey with projections to 2025 |journal=Energy Policy |date=June 2008 |volume=36 |issue=6 |pages=1937–1944 |doi=10.1016/j.enpol.2008.02.018 |s2cid=154631686 }} which could be due to low economic growth.{{Cite web|last=Sonmez|first=Mustafa|date=2019-12-19|title=Turkey's energy miscalculations have hefty cost|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/turkey-russia-energy-miscalculations-have-hefty-cost.html|access-date=2020-07-06|website=Al-Monitor|archive-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221143311/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/turkey-russia-energy-miscalculations-have-hefty-cost.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Decarbonization Of Turkey's Economy: Long-Term Strategies And Immediate Challenges|url=https://www.tepav.org.tr/upload/files/1600243413-5.Decarbonization_of_Turkey___s_economy_long_term_strategies_and_immediate_challenges.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-02-20|archive-date=2022-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310122305/https://www.tepav.org.tr/upload/files/1600243413-5.Decarbonization_of_Turkey___s_economy_long_term_strategies_and_immediate_challenges.pdf}} In 2019 actual generation was 76% of firm capacity, and overcapacity continued into the early 2020s.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=May 2020|title=Turkey energy outlook 2020|url=https://www.mmo.org.tr/sites/default/files/gonderi_dosya_ekleri/TURKEY%20ENERGY%20OUTLOOK_%202020_%2813.7.2020_A%29.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119155517/https://www.mmo.org.tr/sites/default/files/gonderi_dosya_ekleri/TURKEY%20ENERGY%20OUTLOOK_%202020_%2813.7.2020_A%29.pdf |archive-date=2021-01-19 |access-date=|website=}} In 2022 and 2023 demand decreased, partly due to industry’s share of the economy decreasing.{{Cite report |url=https://ember-climate.org/app/uploads/2024/03/Turkiye-Electricity-Review-2024.pdf |title=Türkiye Electricity Review 2024 |publisher= Ember}}{{Rp|page=20}}

The share of electricity used in industry is expected to increase at the expense of the fossil fuel share as Turkey moves to more technology manufacturing.{{Rp|page=343}} Less coal is being burnt for industry and oil burning remains static.{{Rp|page=343}} One projection even shows electricity overtaking gas to become the largest industrial energy source at 30%,{{Rp|page=343}} however more efficient lighting and industrial motors, together with policy changes supporting efficiency, could limit demand growth.{{Rp|page=340}}

File:Türkiye İstanbul nostalji iki tramvay karşılaşması.jpg, electric buses and trains.|alt=2 old red and white electric trams in a big-city street]]

In 2021, less than 3000 fully electric cars were sold,{{Cite web|title=What Came Out Of Pandora's Box In The Turkish Electricity Market In 2021|url=https://www.mondaq.com/turkey/renewables/1158452/what-came-out-of-pandora39s-box-in-the-turkish-electricity-market-in-2021|access-date=2022-02-11|website=Mondaq|archive-date=2022-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211135800/https://www.mondaq.com/turkey/renewables/1158452/what-came-out-of-pandora39s-box-in-the-turkish-electricity-market-in-2021|url-status=live}} however production and use of some types of electric vehicles, such as cars manufactured by Togg, may increase demand during the 2020s.{{Rp|page=10}} Shura Energy Transition Center, a think tank, has recommended to automatically charge electric cars when plenty of wind and solar power is available.{{Cite web|title=Transport Sector Transformation: Integrating Electric Vehicles into Turkey's Distribution Grids – SHURA|date=December 2019 |url=https://shura.org.tr/en/transport-sector-transformation-integrating-electric-vehicles-into-turkeys-distribution-grids/|access-date=2022-01-20|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120133136/https://shura.org.tr/en/transport-sector-transformation-integrating-electric-vehicles-into-turkeys-distribution-grids/|url-status=live}}{{Rp|page=19}} The architecture of Turkey means that many city dwellers live in apartment blocks without off-street parking: regulations require at least one charger per 50 new parking spaces in shopping malls and public parking lots.{{sfnp|Saygın et al.|2019|p=20}} Getting old diesel cars and trucks off the road would have health and environmental benefits, but this would require new pollution control legislation,{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=175}} and {{As of|2021|lc=y}} the only commercial electric vehicles planned for mass production are vans.{{Cite news|last=Carey|first=Nick|date=2021-03-16|title=Ford's Turkish joint venture to produce electric vans from 2023|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ford-vans-electric-idUSKBN2B81R2|access-date=2021-07-06|archive-date=2021-07-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184515/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-ford-vans-electric-idUSKBN2B81R2|url-status=live}} The government aims to end sales of fossil fuel cars and lorries by 2040.{{Cite web|title=Towards the big target: Ending car emissions by 2040|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/analysis/analysis-towards-the-big-target-ending-car-emissions-by-2040/2448218|access-date=2022-01-20|website=Anadolu Agency|archive-date=2022-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120132535/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/analysis/analysis-towards-the-big-target-ending-car-emissions-by-2040/2448218|url-status=live}} Ford hopes to build a factory to make batteries for commercial electric vehicles.{{Cite web |last=Frangoul |first=Anmar |date=2022-03-14 |title=Ford to ramp up EV offering in Europe, plans major battery facility in Turkey |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/14/ford-says-it-will-ramp-up-ev-offering-in-europe.html |access-date=2022-03-18 |website=CNBC |language=en |archive-date=2022-03-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318044910/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/14/ford-says-it-will-ramp-up-ev-offering-in-europe.html |url-status=live }}

File:Electricity Turkey.svg

{{further|List of power stations in Turkey|Renewable energy in Turkey}}

Of the total 329 TWh of electricity generated in 2021; natural gas produced 42%, coal 26%, hydropower 13%, and wind 10%. Installed capacity reached 100 GW in 2022.{{Cite web|title=Turkey's electricity consumption increases|date=14 January 2022 |url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-electricity-consumption-increases-170765|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114073116/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-electricity-consumption-increases-170765 |archive-date=2022-01-14 }} Academics have suggested that the target of 32% from renewables by 2030 should be increased to at least 50%.{{cite journal |last1=Erat |first1=Selma |last2=Telli |first2=Azime |last3=Ozkendir |first3=Osman Murat |last4=Demir |first4=Bunyamin |title=Turkey's energy transition from fossil-based to renewable up to 2030: milestones, challenges and opportunities |journal=Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy |date=March 2021 |volume=23 |issue=2 |pages=401–412 |doi=10.1007/s10098-020-01949-1 |bibcode=2021CTEP...23..401E |s2cid=222081150 }} The state-owned Electricity Generation Company (EÜAŞ) has about 20% of the market,{{Cite web|last=Kavak|first=Kubilay|date=December 2021|title=Energy Outlook 2021|url=https://www.tskb.com.tr/i/assets/document/pdf/energy_outlook_2021.pdf|website=:tr:Türkiye Sınai Kalkınma Bankası|access-date=2022-02-02|archive-date=2022-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202150302/https://www.tskb.com.tr/i/assets/document/pdf/energy_outlook_2021.pdf|url-status=live}}{{Rp|page=8}} and there are many private companies.{{Cite web|title=Turkey's wind power capacity exceeds 10,000 MW threshold - Latest News|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-wind-power-capacity-exceeds-10-000-mw-threshold-166981|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=11 August 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814083819/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-wind-power-capacity-exceeds-10-000-mw-threshold-166981|url-status=live}} The carbon intensity of generation during the 2010s was slightly over 400 gCO₂/kWh,{{Cite report|url=https://reports.electricinsights.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/201126_Drax_20Q3_005-1.pdf|title=Electric Insights Quarterly|date=|access-date=2020-12-05|archive-date=2020-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204152441/https://reports.electricinsights.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/201126_Drax_20Q3_005-1.pdf|url-status=live}} around the global average.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=91}}

{{See also|List of active coal-fired power stations in Turkey}}

{{Excerpt|Coal power in Turkey}}

{{Further|List of power stations in Turkey#Natural Gas|Greenhouse gas emissions by Turkey#Gas-fired stations}}

In 2020, power plants consumed 29% of natural gas in Turkey.{{Cite web|title=Turkey ranks as 7th biggest gas-consuming country globally in 2020 - Latest News|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-ranks-as-7th-biggest-gas-consuming-country-globally-in-2020-165022|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=26 May 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814094548/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-ranks-as-7th-biggest-gas-consuming-country-globally-in-2020-165022|url-status=live}} State-owned gas-fired power plants are less efficient than private plants, but can out-compete them, as the state guarantees a price for their electricity.{{Cite web|title=Energy pricing and non-market flows in Turkey's energy sector|url=https://www.shura.org.tr/energy_pricing_and_non-market_flows_in_turkeys_energy_sector-2/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806205126/https://www.shura.org.tr/energy_pricing_and_non-market_flows_in_turkeys_energy_sector-2/|archive-date=6 August 2020|access-date=11 January 2021|website=SHURA Energy Transition Center}} Gas power plants are used more when drought reduces hydropower, such as in 2021{{Cite web|title=Gas takes bigger share in Turkey's power as drought lowers hydro output - Latest News|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/gas-takes-bigger-share-in-turkeys-power-as-drought-lowers-hydro-output-166186|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=10 July 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716150454/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/gas-takes-bigger-share-in-turkeys-power-as-drought-lowers-hydro-output-166186|url-status=live}} which was a record year for gas consumption.{{Cite web|title=Turkey Electricity Review 2022|url=https://ember-climate.org/project/turkey-electricity-review-2022/|access-date=2022-01-20|website=Ember|date=20 January 2022 |language=en-GB|archive-date=2022-01-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120073531/https://ember-climate.org/project/turkey-electricity-review-2022/|url-status=live}} The National Energy Plan published in 2023 forecasts 10 GW more gas power plants will be built.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-21 |title=Türkiye Ulusal Enerji Planı açıklandı: Güneş hedefi güçlü ama kömürden çıkış yok |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/articles/cmmzprr0j5po |access-date=2023-01-21 |website=BBC News Türkçe |language=tr}}

File:Atatürk_Dam.jpg in Turkey is the third largest dam in the world.]]

{{Main|Hydroelectricity in Turkey}}

Hydropower is a critical source of electricity, and in some years substantial amounts can be generated due to Turkey's mountainous landscape, abundance of rivers, and it being surrounded by three seas. The main river basins are the Euphrates and the Tigris. Many dams have been built throughout the country, and a peak of 28 GW of power can be generated by hydroelectric plants.{{cite web |title=Hydraulics |url=https://enerji.gov.tr/bilgi-merkezi-enerji-hidrolik-en |publisher=Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (Turkey) |access-date=30 September 2020 |archive-date=1 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501101336/https://enerji.gov.tr/bilgi-merkezi-enerji-hidrolik-en |url-status=live }} Almost 90 TWh was generated in 2019, around 30% of the country's electricity.{{Cite report|title=Renewables 2020 Global Status Report|url=https://www.ren21.net/reports/global-status-report/|isbn=978-3-948393-00-7|website=REN21|page=98|date=|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2019-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524023106/http://www.ren21.net/status-of-renewables/global-status-report/|url-status=live}} There are many policies that support hydroelectricity. Construction of some dams has been controversial for various reasons: for example environmentalists claiming they damage wildlife such as fish,{{cite web|title=Government to ease hydro plant construction for firms| date=4 April 2013 |url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?pageID=238&nid=44231|publisher=Hurriyet|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2017-10-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001032008/http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/Default.aspx?pageID=238&nid=44231|url-status=live}} or downstream countries complaining of reduced water flow.

Due to changes in rainfall, generation varies considerably from year to year.{{Efn|For example, drought in 2020 caused a generation drop of over 10% compared to the previous year.{{Cite news|date=2021-01-06|title=Hydro plants' electricity generation down 12 pct|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/hydro-plants-electricity-generation-down-12-pct-161412|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106230821/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/hydro-plants-electricity-generation-down-12-pct-161412|archive-date=2021-01-06|access-date=|newspaper=Hürriyet Daily News}}|name=|group=}} And, according to S&P Global Platts, when there is drought in Turkey during the peak electricity demand month of August the aim of the State Hydraulic Works to conserve water for irrigation can conflict with the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation aiming to generate electricity.{{Cite web|last=O'Byrne|first=David|date=2021-08-09|title=Turkey faces double whammy as low hydro aligns with gas contract expiries|url=https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/080921-turkey-faces-double-whammy-as-low-hydro-aligns-with-gas-contract-expiries|access-date=2021-08-22|website=S & P Global|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822165339/https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/080921-turkey-faces-double-whammy-as-low-hydro-aligns-with-gas-contract-expiries|url-status=live}} Despite droughts increasing due to climate change, hydropower is predicted to remain important for load balancing.{{Cite web|date=November 2020|title=Turkey Energy Outlook|url=https://iicec.sabanciuniv.edu/teo|access-date=2021-12-30|website=Sabanci University Istanbul International Center for Energy and Climate|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006212459/https://iicec.sabanciuniv.edu/teo|url-status=live}}{{Rp|page=72}} Converting existing dams to pumped storage has been suggested as more feasible than new pumped storage.{{cite journal |last1=Barbaros |first1=Efe |last2=Aydin |first2=Ismail |last3=Celebioglu |first3=Kutay |title=Feasibility of pumped storage hydropower with existing pricing policy in Turkey |journal=Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews |date=February 2021 |volume=136 |pages=110449 |doi=10.1016/j.rser.2020.110449 |bibcode=2021RSERv.13610449B |s2cid=225161166 }}

{{Excerpt|Wind power in Turkey}}

{{Main|Solar power in Turkey}}

File:Mersin CSP field.jpg in Mersin is the only generator using concentrated solar, the rest are photovoltaic.|alt=Distant view from a high point of a hill with concentric rows of mirrors most of the way around a slim tower ]]

Turkey is located in an advantageous position in the Middle East and Southeast Europe for solar energy, and it is a growing part of renewable energy in the country, with almost 8 GW generating about 4% of the country's electricity. Solar potential is high in Turkey, especially in the south-east and Mediterranean provinces.{{cite journal |last1=Dawood |first1=Kamran |title=Hybrid wind-solar reliable solution for Turkey to meet electric demand |journal=Balkan Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering |date=1 September 2016 |volume=4 |issue=2 |doi=10.17694/bajece.06954 |doi-broken-date=2024-11-02 |url=https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/bajece/issue/36581/415798 }} Conditions for solar power generation are comparable to Spain. In 2020 Turkey ranked 8th in Europe for solar power,{{Rp|page=49}} but it could increase far more quickly if subsidies for coal were abolishedOECD (2019), page 36 and the auction system was improved.{{cite web|title=Opportunities to strengthen the YEKA auction model for enhancing the regulatory framework of Turkey's power system transformation|url=https://www.shura.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SHURA_Opportunities-to-strengthen-the-YEKA-auction-model-for-enhancing-the-regulatory-framework-of-Turkeys-power-system.pdf|access-date=19 February 2019|archive-date=20 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220064318/https://www.shura.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SHURA_Opportunities-to-strengthen-the-YEKA-auction-model-for-enhancing-the-regulatory-framework-of-Turkeys-power-system.pdf|url-status=live}} Every gigawatt of solar power installed would save over US$100 million in gas import costs.{{Cite web|title='Solar is key in reducing Turkish gas imports'|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/solar-is-key-in-reducing-turkish-gas-imports-152228|date=2020-02-19|website=Hürriyet Daily News|access-date=2020-09-20|archive-date=2020-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406045959/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/solar-is-key-in-reducing-turkish-gas-imports-152228|url-status=live}}

Peak daily generation in 2020 was over 1 TWh in September.{{Cite web|title=Turkey's electricity consumption in 2020 up 0.14%|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkeys-electricity-consumption-in-2020-up-014-/2097562|access-date=2021-12-30|website=www.aa.com.tr|archive-date=2021-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230105730/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkeys-electricity-consumption-in-2020-up-014-/2097562|url-status=live}} According to modelling by Carbon Tracker, new solar power became cheaper than new coal power in 2020,{{Cite web|title=Global Coal Power Economics Model Methodology|url=https://carbontracker.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Global_Coal_Methodology_Vwebsite2.pdf|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2020-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321192104/https://carbontracker.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Global_Coal_Methodology_Vwebsite2.pdf|url-status=live}} and will become cheaper than existing coal plants in 2023.{{Cite web|date=2020|title=Wind vs Coal Power in Turkey/Solar PV vs Coal in Turkey|url=https://carbontracker.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Maps_5_Logo.pdf|website=Carbon Tracker|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2020-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318021148/https://carbontracker.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Maps_5_Logo.pdf|url-status=live}} According to think tank Ember, building new solar and wind power in Turkey is cheaper than running existing coal plants which depend on imported coal.{{Cite web|date=2021-09-27|title=Turkey: New wind and solar power now cheaper than running existing coal plants relying on imports|url=https://ember-climate.org/commentary/2021/09/28/turkey-coal-wind-solar-costs/|access-date=2021-09-29|website=Ember|language=en-GB|archive-date=2021-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929162349/https://ember-climate.org/commentary/2021/09/28/turkey-coal-wind-solar-costs/|url-status=live}} But they say that there are obstacles to building utility-scale solar, such as: lack of new capacity for solar power at transformers, a 50 MW cap on any single solar power plant’s installed capacity, and large consumers being unable to sign long term power purchase agreements for new solar installations. Unlicensed power plants, which are mostly solar, generated about 4% of electricity in 2021.{{Rp|page=13}}

{{Main|Geothermal power in Turkey}}

File:Kızıldere Geothermal Power Plant in western Turkey.jpg in western Turkey|alt=Steaming pipes and cylinders with mountains in the far background]]

There are almost 2 gigawatts of electrical geothermal power in Turkey, which is a significant part of renewable energy in Turkey. Geothermal power in Turkey began in the 1970s, in a prototype plant, following systematic exploration of geothermal fields. In the 1980s the pilot facility became the first geothermal power plant. The small-sized geothermal power plant was expanded to the country's biggest in 2013. Over 60 power plants operate in Turkey {{As of|2020|lc=y}},{{Cite web|title=Geothermal Energy Use: Projections and Country Update for Turkey|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352478313|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2022-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310122320/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352478313_Geothermal_Energy_Use_Projections_and_Country_Update_for_Turkey}} with potential for more.{{Cite web|title=Turkey's Geothermal Energy Potential and Exploration Studies|url=https://www.mta.gov.tr/en/arastirmalar/jeotermal-enerji-arastirmalari|website=General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (Turkey)|access-date=2022-02-16|archive-date=2022-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216133900/https://www.mta.gov.tr/en/arastirmalar/jeotermal-enerji-arastirmalari|url-status=live}} As well as contributing to electricity generation, geothermal energy is also used in direct heating applications. At the end of 2021 Turkey had 1.7 GW installed capacity, the fourth largest in the world after the United States, Indonesia and the Philippines.{{Cite web|last=GeoEnergy|first=Think|date=2022-01-10|title=ThinkGeoEnergy's Top 10 Geothermal Countries 2021 – installed power generation capacity (MWe)|url=https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/thinkgeoenergys-top-10-geothermal-countries-2021-installed-power-generation-capacity-mwe/|access-date=2022-01-23|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220123135122/https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/thinkgeoenergys-top-10-geothermal-countries-2021-installed-power-generation-capacity-mwe/|url-status=live}}

There is almost 2 GW of geothermal and sites for much more including enhanced geothermal systems.{{Cite web|title=Carbon Dioxide Emissions Mitigation Strategy through Enhanced Geothermal Systems: Western Anatolia, Turkey|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355616602|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-31|archive-date=2022-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310122319/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355616602_Carbon_Dioxide_Emissions_Mitigation_Strategy_through_Enhanced_Geothermal_Systems_Western_Anatolia_Turkey}} However carbon dioxide emissions can be high, especially for new plants, so to prevent carbon dioxide dissolved out of the rocks being released into the atmosphere the fluid is sometimes completely reinjected after its heat is used.{{Cite web|last=GeoEnergy|first=Think|date=2021-06-08|title=Transmark completes 3.2 MW geothermal plant in Canakkale, Turkey|url=https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/transmark-completes-3-2-mw-geothermal-plant-in-canakkale-turkey/|access-date=2021-11-07|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107083137/https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/transmark-completes-3-2-mw-geothermal-plant-in-canakkale-turkey/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Nuclear power in Turkey}}

{{Turkey nuke plant map}}

Turkey's first nuclear power plant, at Akkuyu, is planned to start generation in 2023, and is expected to last for at least 60 years.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=67}} The nuclear power debate has a long history, with the 2018 construction start in Mersin Province being the sixth major attempt to build a nuclear power plant since 1960.{{cite journal |last1=Aydın |first1=Cem İskender |title=Nuclear energy debate in Turkey: Stakeholders, policy alternatives, and governance issues |journal=Energy Policy |date=January 2020 |volume=136 |pages=111041 |doi=10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111041 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2020EnPol.13611041A }} Nuclear power has been criticised, as being very expensive to taxpayers.{{Cite web|title=Critics say Turkey's unfinished nuclear plant already redundant - Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2020/12/turkey-nuclear-plant-become-redundant-before-completion.html|access-date=2021-12-30|website=www.al-monitor.com|date=14 December 2020 |language=en|archive-date=2021-12-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211230104837/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2020/12/turkey-nuclear-plant-become-redundant-before-completion.html|url-status=live}}

Plans for a nuclear power plant at Sinop and another at İğneada have stalled.{{cite web |title=Nuclear Power in Turkey |url=https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-t-z/turkey.aspx |website=www.world-nuclear.org |publisher=World Nuclear Association |access-date=5 January 2021 |archive-date=30 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130172546/https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-t-z/turkey.aspx |url-status=live }}

Hybrid generation became more popular in the early 2020s.{{Cite web |last=Todorović |first=Igor |date=2022-03-08 |title=Hybrid power plants dominate Turkey's new 2.8 GW grid capacity allocation |url=https://balkangreenenergynews.com/hybrid-power-plants-dominate-turkeys-new-2-8-gw-grid-capacity-allocation/ |access-date=2022-03-10 |website=Balkan Green Energy News |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308220824/https://balkangreenenergynews.com/hybrid-power-plants-dominate-turkeys-new-2-8-gw-grid-capacity-allocation/ |url-status=live }} If distributed generation installed power is under 11 kW, it is only allowed to be connected to the low voltage network, not the high voltage network.{{cite journal |last1=Çeçen |first1=Mehmet |last2=Yavuz |first2=Cenk |last3=Tırmıkçı |first3=Ceyda Aksoy |last4=Sarıkaya |first4=Sinan |last5=Yanıkoğlu |first5=Ertan |title=Analysis and evaluation of distributed photovoltaic generation in electrical energy production and related regulations of Turkey |journal=Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy |date=July 2022 |volume=24 |issue=5 |pages=1321–1336 |doi=10.1007/s10098-021-02247-0 |pmid=35018170 |pmc=8736286 |bibcode=2022CTEP...24.1321C }} The first virtual power plant was created in 2017 with wind, solar and hydropower; and geothermal was added in 2020.{{Cite web|title=First integration of geothermal power assets into virtual power plant in Turkey|url=https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/first-integration-of-geothermal-power-assets-into-virtual-power-plant-in-turkey/|access-date=2020-09-07|website=Think GeoEnergy|date=6 September 2020 |archive-date=2020-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916001341/https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/first-integration-of-geothermal-power-assets-into-virtual-power-plant-in-turkey/|url-status=live}}

The transmission system operator is the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEİAŞ),{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.teias.gov.tr/en-US/about-us |publisher=TEİAŞ |access-date=1 November 2020 |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310122327/https://www.teias.gov.tr/en-US/about-us |url-status=live }} which is a state-owned monopoly as of 2022.{{Rp|page=11}} It is planned to sell a minority share to the private sector in 2022.{{Cite web |title=Doing business in Turkey: Energy |url=https://www.nortonrosefulbright.com/en/knowledge/publications/ad4409f2/doing-business-in-turkey-energy |access-date=2022-04-18 |website=Norton Rose Fulbright |language=en}} Transmission is regulated by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA).{{sfnp|IEA|2021|p=99}} The first long-distance transmission line was from Zonguldak to Istanbul in 1952,{{Cite web|title=Enerji|url=http://zonguldak.gov.tr/enerji|access-date=2021-02-13|website=zonguldak.gov.tr|archive-date=2019-04-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411214235/http://www.zonguldak.gov.tr/enerji|url-status=live}} and {{As of|2021|lc=y}} there are 72,000 km.{{Cite web|title=TEİAŞ|url=https://www.teias.gov.tr/en-US/electricity-transmission-in-turkey|access-date=2022-01-17|website=www.teias.gov.tr|archive-date=2022-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118182625/https://www.teias.gov.tr/en-US/electricity-transmission-in-turkey|url-status=live}} The grid runs at 400{{nbsp}}kV and 154{{nbsp}}kV,{{cite journal |last1=Saygin |first1=D. |last2=Tör |first2=O.B. |last3=Cebeci |first3=M.E. |last4=Teimourzadeh |first4=S. |last5=Godron |first5=P. |title=Increasing Turkey's power system flexibility for grid integration of 50% renewable energy share |journal=Energy Strategy Reviews |date=March 2021 |volume=34 |pages=100625 |doi=10.1016/j.esr.2021.100625 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2021EneSR..3400625S }} and there are over 700 transmission grid substations.{{sfnp|TEİAŞ|2019|p=13}} Transmission costs, including losses and operation costs, are shared equally between producer and consumer.{{Cite web|title=Türkiye'de Enerji Dönüşümünü Hızlandıracak Son Kullanıcı Elektrik Fiyatlandırmaları – SHURA|url=https://shura.org.tr/turkiyede-enerji-donusumunu-hizlandiracak-son-kullanici-elektrik-fiyatlandirmalari/|access-date=2021-11-23|website=shura.org.tr|date=23 November 2021 |language=tr-TR|archive-date=2021-11-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123125818/https://shura.org.tr/turkiyede-enerji-donusumunu-hizlandiracak-son-kullanici-elektrik-fiyatlandirmalari/|url-status=live}}{{Rp|page=70}}

Reducing grid losses and outages is important, as is improving grid quality.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=38}} Power consumption is often distant from generation, so grid improvements are needed to prevent bottlenecks and increase flexibility.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=61}} As of 2023 most transformers and many lines need replacing to meet demand, and cause wildfires.{{cite web | url=https://www.climatescorecard.org/2023/01/turkeys-power-grid/ | title=Turkey's Power Grid | date=11 January 2023 }} There are 11 international interconnectors, including all of Turkey's neighbours by land except Armenia (although relations are improving).{{Cite web|title=Interconnections|url=https://www.teias.gov.tr/en-US/interconnections|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-05|website=www.teias.gov.tr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119092830/https://www.teias.gov.tr/en-US/interconnections |archive-date=2021-01-19 }} A future connection under the Caspian Sea to Turkmenistan{{cite web | url=https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/95892/ | title=Turkmenistan building power plant on Caspian coast, plans to export electricity to Turkey }} and Kazakhstan might be beneficial.{{cite journal |last1=Purvins |first1=Arturs |last2=Gerbelova |first2=Hana |last3=Sereno |first3=Luigi |last4=Minnebo |first4=Philip |title=Social welfare impact from enhanced Trans-Asian electricity trade |journal=Energy |date=January 2021 |volume=215 |pages=119106 |doi=10.1016/j.energy.2020.119106 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2021Ene...21519106P }} Although TEİAŞ is no longer an observer member of ENTSO-E it continues to attend technical discussions of working groups.{{Rp|page=105}} {{As of|2020}}, links with the European Union allow 500 MW export and 650 MW import, whereas trade with other countries is possible but difficult to automate as they do not meet ENTSO-E synchronisation requirements.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=58}} In 2020 total exports were 2.5 GWh, mostly to Greece, and imports 1.9 GWh, mostly from Bulgaria.{{Rp|page=39}}

According to a 2018 study by Sabancı University, 20% of Turkey's electricity may be generated from wind and solar by 2026 with no extra transmission costs, and 30% with a minor increase in grid investment.{{sfnp|Godron|Cebeci|Tör|2018|p=6}} With the increase in electricity generated by solar panels, energy storage may become more important. A pumped hydropower plant is planned to be completed by 2022.{{cite web|date=13 April 2020|title=General Electric to make turbines for 1 GW pumped storage HPP in Turkey|url=https://balkangreenenergynews.com/general-electric-to-make-turbines-for-1-gw-pumped-storage-hpp-in-turkey/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200507163514/https://balkangreenenergynews.com/general-electric-to-make-turbines-for-1-gw-pumped-storage-hpp-in-turkey/|archive-date=7 May 2020|access-date=8 May 2020|website=Balkan Green Energy News|language=en-US}} Converting existing dams to pumped storage has been suggested as more feasible than new pumped storage. Mobile 10 MW batteries may be useful in the future for reducing temporary transmission congestion between regions, or larger ones for frequency regulation.{{cite journal|last1=Kocer|first1=Mustafa Cagatay|last2=Cengiz|first2=Ceyhun|last3=Gezer|first3=Mehmet|last4=Gunes|first4=Doruk|last5=Cinar|first5=Mehmet Aytac|last6=Alboyaci|first6=Bora|last7=Onen|first7=Ahmet|date=January 2019|title=Assessment of Battery Storage Technologies for a Turkish Power Network|journal=Sustainability|volume=11|issue=13|pages=3669|doi=10.3390/su11133669|doi-access=free}} Adding ice thermal storage to hypermarket cooling systems is estimated to be economically viable.{{cite journal|last1=Erdemir|first1=Dogan|last2=Altuntop|first2=Necdet|date=12 January 2018|title=Effect of encapsulated ice thermal storage system on cooling cost for a hypermarket|journal=International Journal of Energy Research|volume=42|issue=9|pages=3091–3101|doi=10.1002/er.3971|s2cid=103139471 |doi-access=free|bibcode=2018IJER...42.3091E }}

The nationwide blackout in 2015 was not caused by a natural disaster, but by the limited capacity and lack of resilience of the main east-west connection whilst it was being maintenanced - leaving it unable to redistribute enough of the eastern hydroelectricity to the high consuming west. It did not greatly affect Van Province as it was supplied from Iran,{{Cite web|title=How to trust Turkey's institutions after electricity blackout?|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/opinion/gunes-komurculer/how-to-trust-turkeys-institutions-after-electricity-blackout--80726|access-date=2021-07-10|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=7 April 2015 |language=en|archive-date=2021-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710095834/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/opinion/gunes-komurculer/how-to-trust-turkeys-institutions-after-electricity-blackout--80726|url-status=live}} and the EU interconnection helped restore power.{{Cite web|last=Sabadus|first=Aura|title=Turkey's blackout caused by line maintenance, hydro production oversupply - TEIAS|url=https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2015/04/16/9876979/turkey-s-blackout-caused-by-line-maintenance-hydro-production-oversupply-teias|access-date=2021-07-10|website=ICIS Explore|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-07-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210710095837/https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2015/04/16/9876979/turkey-s-blackout-caused-by-line-maintenance-hydro-production-oversupply-teias|url-status=live}} More integration with other countries would increase resilience.{{Cite web|last=Duyan|first=Özlem|date=2020-04-21|title=Turkey's Energy Sector Continues to Rely on Conventional Power Sources|url=https://www.climatescorecard.org/2020/04/turkeys-energy-sector-continues-to-rely-on-conventional-power-sources/|access-date=2021-03-01|website=Climate Scorecard|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126141036/https://www.climatescorecard.org/2020/04/turkeys-energy-sector-continues-to-rely-on-conventional-power-sources/|url-status=live}} New wind and solar in the west and centre of the country is closer to demand and is thus reducing the dependance on high voltage transmission.{{Cite web |last=Ergur |first=Semih |date=2023-01-11 |title=Turkey's Power Grid |url=https://www.climatescorecard.org/2023/01/turkeys-power-grid/ |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=Climate Scorecard |language=en-US}}

File:Istanbul Electricity warning sign.jpg|language=tr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991127165508/http://tedas.gov.tr:80/ |archive-date=1999-11-27}}|alt=Old metal sign with black skull and crossbones and writing in red capital letters]]

As part of electricity industry reforms between 2009 and 2013, the ownership of all electricity distribution infrastructure was retained by state owned Turkish Electricity Distribution Corporation (TEDAŞ), but responsibility for operation, maintenance and new investment in distribution networks was transferred to 21 privately owned regional entities under licences from EMRA. Electricity at voltages up to 36{{nbsp}}kV is distributed by regional companies and many organized industrial zones.

There are over a million kilometres of distribution lines, of which about 80% are overhead lines and the rest are underground cables.

The average losses across all distribution networks (including both technical and non-technical losses) are around 12%.{{sfnp|IEA|2021|p=104}} but in Dicle and Vangölü are over 20%.(cite EPDK 2022) In 2019 TEDAŞ estimated the System Average Interruption Duration Index (OKSÜRE in Turkish) at 1308, which is much worse than neighbouring European countries: however no estimate has been published since then.{{Cite web|last=|title=2019 Yili Türki̇ye Elektri̇k Dağitimi Sektör Raporu|trans-title=2019 Turkish Electricity Distribution Sector Report|url=http://www.tedas.gov.tr/|access-date=2022-02-03|website=TEDAŞ|language=tr|archive-date=2019-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418071800/http://www.tedas.gov.tr/|url-status=live}}{{Rp|page=27}} Nevertheless at least one distribution company measures it, together with the related frequency index (OKSIK in Turkish).{{Cite web|date=2020|title=Enerjisa Annual Report|url=https://www.enerjisainvestorrelations.com/en/reports-presentations/annual-reports-menu|access-date=2022-02-03|website=Enerjisa|archive-date=2022-02-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220203071147/https://www.enerjisainvestorrelations.com/en/reports-presentations/annual-reports-menu|url-status=live}}{{Rp|page=73}}

There are plans for a smart grid.{{sfnp|AF-Mercados|2018}} According to the Shura Energy Center, increasing Turkey's proportion of electric cars to 10% by 2030 would smooth distribution, amongst many other benefits.{{Cite report|url=https://www.shura.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Transport-sector-transformation.Integrating-electric-vehicles-into-Turkey%E2%80%99s-distribution-grids.pdf|title=Transport sector transformation: Integrating electric vehicles into Turkey's distribution grids|date=|access-date=2019-12-26|archive-date=2020-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801065245/https://www.shura.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Transport-sector-transformation.Integrating-electric-vehicles-into-Turkey%E2%80%99s-distribution-grids.pdf|url-status=dead}}

According to the Chamber of Electrical Engineers, the regional monopolies make excess profits.{{Cite web|title=Electricity distribution and production scandals in Turkey|url=https://www.duvarenglish.com/columns/2020/10/09/electricity-distribution-and-production-scandals-in-turkey/|access-date=2020-10-31|website=www.duvarenglish.com|date=10 September 2020 |archive-date=2020-11-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124181924/https://www.duvarenglish.com/columns/2020/10/09/electricity-distribution-and-production-scandals-in-turkey|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=30 December 2020|title=2.5 milyondan fazla hane tükettiği elektriği ödeyecek gücü olmadığı için yardım alıyor|trans-title=More than 2.5 million households receive assistance because they cannot afford to pay for the electricity they consume|url=https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/25-milyondan-fazla-hane-tukettigi-elektrigi-odeyecek-gucu-olmadigi-icin-yardim-aliyor-1802355|url-status=live|newspaper=Cumhuriyet|language=tr|access-date=30 December 2020|archive-date=30 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230071908/https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/25-milyondan-fazla-hane-tukettigi-elektrigi-odeyecek-gucu-olmadigi-icin-yardim-aliyor-1802355}}{{Cite news|date=8 February 2022|title=How Turkey's electricity distribution companies make excessive profits|url=https://m.bianet.org/english/society/257438-how-turkey-s-electricity-distribution-companies-make-excessive-profits|newspaper=Bianet|access-date=11 February 2022|archive-date=10 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210164601/https://m.bianet.org/english/society/257438-how-turkey-s-electricity-distribution-companies-make-excessive-profits|url-status=live}} Their income is determined by EMRA,{{Cite web|date=15 February 2022|title=Turkey's electricity distribution companies deny responsibility for soaring bills|url=https://bianet.org/english/economy/257774-turkey-s-electricity-distribution-companies-deny-responsibility-for-soaring-bills|website=Bianet|access-date=15 February 2022|archive-date=15 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215130102/https://bianet.org/english/economy/257774-turkey-s-electricity-distribution-companies-deny-responsibility-for-soaring-bills|url-status=live}} as distribution charges are set annually by EMRA.{{cite web|url=https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/0-523-5654 |title=Electricity Regulation in Turkey: Overview, Practical Law Country Q&A 0-523-5654| year=2021|first1=Sera|last1=Somay|first2=Zekican|last2=Samlı|first3=Soner| last3=Dağlı|first4=Sabri|last4=Kaya|publisher=Thomson Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203231321/https://uk.practicallaw.thomsonreuters.com/0-523-5654?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)&firstPage=true|archive-date=3 December 2021}}

Earthquakes in Turkey are common and sometimes cut transmission lines and destroy substations.{{Cite web|title=Kocaeli earthquake|url=https://www.preventionweb.net/files/2667_TurkeyEvent.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210526063751/https://www.preventionweb.net/files/2667_TurkeyEvent.pdf |archive-date=2021-05-26}} If the permanent supervisory control centre of a distribution grid is destroyed in a disaster a mobile centre may take control.{{Cite web|title=24/7 power with Turkey's new mobile monitoring system|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/24-7-power-with-turkey-s-new-mobile-monitoring-system/2065107|access-date=2022-02-02|website=www.aa.com.tr|archive-date=2022-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202091624/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/24-7-power-with-turkey-s-new-mobile-monitoring-system/2065107|url-status=live}} The installation of more local solar power with batteries, and microgrids in vulnerable places, might help vital buildings such as hospitals retain power after a natural disaster, such as earthquake or flood. Academics suggest that cost–benefit analysis of such emergency power systems should take into account any benefits of resilience and also the cost of installing an islandable system.{{Cite journal|last1=Bajwa|first1=Abdullah Akram|last2=Mokhlis|first2=Hazlie|last3=Mekhilef|first3=Saad|last4=Mubin|first4=Marizan|date=2019-05-01|title=Enhancing power system resilience leveraging microgrids: A review|journal=Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy|volume=11|issue=3|pages=035503|doi=10.1063/1.5066264|s2cid=182574315 }}{{Cite web|title=Valuing the Resilience Provided by Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems|url=https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/70679.pdf|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518152857/https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy18osti/70679.pdf|url-status=live}}

Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST), is the electricity market operator company responsible for the day-ahead and intra-day markets. EXIST was established in 2015 and operates under a license from the Energy Markets Regulatory Authority (EMRA).{{cite web|title=About us|url=https://www.epias.com.tr/en/corporate/about-us/|access-date=30 December 2021|publisher=Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST)|archive-date=29 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229215340/https://www.epias.com.tr/en/corporate/about-us/|url-status=live}} {{As of|2022}} the wholesale price is the same across the country,{{cite web|last=Poyrazoglu|first=Gokturk|title=Determination of Price Zones during Transition from Uniform to Zonal Electricity Market: A Case Study for Turkey|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349344379|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183100/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349344379_Determination_of_Price_Zones_during_Transition_from_Uniform_to_Zonal_Electricity_Market_A_Case_Study_for_Turkey |archive-date=2022-01-18}}{{Efn|PTF means the Day ahead Market Clearing Price and SMF means the Real time System Marginal Price and AOF means the hourly Weighted Average Price all in (TL/MWh){{Cite web |title=Mini Tutorial about Electricity Market Prices |url=https://pjournal.github.io/files/electricity_markets_mini_tutorial.html |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=PJournal |language=en-US}}{{cite journal |last1=Gayretli |first1=Gizem |last2=Yucekaya |first2=Ahmet |last3=Bilge |first3=Ayse Humeyra |title=An analysis of price spikes and deviations in the deregulated Turkish power market |journal=Energy Strategy Reviews |date=November 2019 |volume=26 |pages=100376 |doi=10.1016/j.esr.2019.100376 |s2cid=199126764 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2019EneSR..2600376G }}|name=|group=}} but it has been suggested that price zones should be defined to reflect network congestion, for example in getting run-of-the river hydropower to consumers.{{cite journal |last1=Selcuk |first1=O. |last2=Acar |first2=B. |last3=Dastan |first3=S.A. |title=System integration costs of wind and hydropower generations in Turkey |journal=Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews |date=March 2022 |volume=156 |pages=111982 |doi=10.1016/j.rser.2021.111982 |bibcode=2022RSERv.15611982S |s2cid=245415291 }} The wholesale price is generally lowest in spring, due to moderate temperatures and abundant hydropower.{{Cite report |url=https://www.epdk.gov.tr/Detay/DownloadDocument?id=C8rGF1zOxIU= |title=Electricity Market Sector Report 2022 |publisher=Energy Market Regulatory Authority}}{{Rp|page=?}} However solar power, which peaks in summer, is increasing. https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/turkey-lifts-clean-electricity-output-new-highs-h1-2024-2024-07-10/

Although the wholesale market is operated by EXIST;{{cite web|title=About Us|url=https://www.epias.com.tr/en/corporate/about-us/|access-date=18 April 2019|publisher=Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST)|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418113502/https://www.epias.com.tr/en/corporate/about-us/|url-status=live}} prices are controlled by EUAŞ, the state electricity generation company.{{cite news|date=13 August 2018|title=Turkish lira tumble triggers electricity curtailment fears|publisher=ICIS|url=https://www.icis.com/resources/news/2018/08/13/10250257/turkish-lira-tumble-triggers-electricity-curtailment-fears/|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=19 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019092757/https://www.icis.com/resources/news/2018/08/13/10250257/turkish-lira-tumble-triggers-electricity-curtailment-fears/|url-status=live}} Gas-fired power stations set the market price.{{cite SSRN |last1=Durmaz |first1=Tunç |last2=Acar |first2=Sevil |last3=Kizilkaya |first3=Simay |title=Electricity Generation Failures and Capacity Remuneration Mechanism in Turkey |date=2021 |ssrn=3936571 }} The National Load and Dispatch Centre prepares forward estimates of demand for each hour, and these are used to guide scheduling of generation 24 hours in advance.

The Turkish Electricity Transmission Company (TEİAŞ) is the physical operator of the balancing power market and the ancillary services market. Because price is determined at the margin the electricity price is very dependent on the natural gas price.{{cite web|date=2022-01-12|title=Turkey: when electricity price ceilings amplify the pain of gas spikes and currency falls|url=https://energypost.eu/turkey-when-electricity-price-ceilings-amplify-the-pain-of-gas-spikes-and-currency-falls/|access-date=2022-01-17|website=Energy Post|language=en-GB|archive-date=2022-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183012/https://energypost.eu/turkey-when-electricity-price-ceilings-amplify-the-pain-of-gas-spikes-and-currency-falls/|url-status=live}} The government has capped the wholesale electricity price at thrice the average of the previous 12 months, which is high enough for gas and imported coal plants to remain in operation even when their fuel costs are high.{{Rp|page=14}}

Because gas-fired power plants are often the price setters, wholesale electricity prices are strongly influenced by wholesale natural gas prices, which are themselves influenced by the USD exchange rate.{{Rp|page=64}} Owning over 20% of capacity,{{Rp|page=24}} the state Electricity Generation Company is a key player in the market along with private wholesalers (such as Enerjisa, Cengiz, Eren, Limak and Çelikler{{Rp|52}}) and an over the counter market.{{Rp|9}} In 2019 150 TWh, about half of the electricity generated, was traded on the day ahead spot market.{{cite web|title=Spot electricity market trade volume up 17 pct in 2019|url=http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/spot-electricity-market-trade-volume-up-17-pct-in-2019-150652|access-date=2020-02-13|newspaper=Hürriyet Daily News|date=6 January 2020 |archive-date=2020-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213180034/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/spot-electricity-market-trade-volume-up-17-pct-in-2019-150652|url-status=live}} Market pricing is not completely transparent, cost reflective and non-discriminatory.{{sfnp|European Commission|2021|page=103}} When the lira falls bilateral contracts are sometimes unable to compete with regulated tariffs: but when the exchange rate is stable industrial customers prefer bilateral contracts (almost no households are on those).{{cite web|date=2021-03-24|title=Electricity Market in Turkey|url=https://www.ic4r.net/2021/03/24/electricity-market-in-turkey/|access-date=2022-01-24|website=IC4R|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124090013/https://www.ic4r.net/2021/03/24/electricity-market-in-turkey/|url-status=live}} In 2021 EXIST launched an electricity futures market.{{cite web|title=Turkey's power futures market launched|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-power-futures-market-launched-165204|url-status=live|access-date=30 December 2021|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=2 June 2021 |language=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602152513/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-power-futures-market-launched-165204 |archive-date=2021-06-02}}

{{As of|2021}}, there is a lot of excess generation capacity{{cite news|last=Sonmez|first=Mustafa|date=2020-12-15|title=Critics say Turkey's unfinished nuclear plant already redundant|newspaper=Al-Monitor|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/12/turkey-nuclear-plant-become-redundant-before-completion.html|access-date=2020-12-21|archive-date=2020-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222100822/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/12/turkey-nuclear-plant-become-redundant-before-completion.html|url-status=live}} and more could be exported.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=58}} In 2021, Turkey exported 4.1 TWh and imported 2.3 TWh. Over 100 million euros of exports are at risk due to the lack of a carbon price. https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1428017 International trade with some countries is hampered by geopolitical difficulties such as the Cyprus dispute; for example, Turkey will be bypassed by the EuroAsia Interconnector.{{cite web|title=Anti-Turkey alliance runs through Europe-Asia electricity link|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Anti-Turkey-alliance-runs-through-Europe-Asia-electricity-link|access-date=2020-12-21|website=Nikkei Asia|archive-date=2020-12-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201220183053/https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Anti-Turkey-alliance-runs-through-Europe-Asia-electricity-link|url-status=live}} Because TEIAŞ is not unbundled, it cannot become a full member of the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), but the grids are synchronised and there is technical co-operation.{{cite web|title=International Cooperation|url=https://www.entsoe.eu/cooperation/|access-date=2020-10-07|website=www.entsoe.eu|archive-date=2020-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930060221/https://www.entsoe.eu/cooperation/|url-status=live}} The grid is linked across most land borders, and about 1% of electricity is imported or exported.{{cite news|date=17 August 2018|title=Turkish energy sector hit by lira depreciation: MUFG research|publisher=S & P Global|url=https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/081718-turkish-energy-sector-hit-by-lira-depreciation-mufg-research|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=30 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230104739/https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/081718-turkish-energy-sector-hit-by-lira-depreciation-mufg-research|url-status=live}} Technical studies are being done on increasing connections with the European grid.{{sfnp|European Commission|2021|page=105}} Export capacity to Iraq was increased in the 2020s,{{Cite web |title=Iraq ready to supply 500 MW of electricity imported from Turkey in summer |url=https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/120420223 |access-date=2022-04-13 |website=www.rudaw.net}}{{Cite web |title=Powering up: Turkey-Iraq transmission line is part of a broader strategic shift |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/powering-turkey-iraq-transmission-line-part-broader-strategic-shift |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Middle East Institute |language=en}} and export capacity to Syria.{{Cite web |title=Türkiye aims to send 2 bcm gas and triple electricity exports to Syria |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/energy/general/turkiye-aims-to-send-2-bcm-gas-and-triple-electricity-exports-to-syria/49365 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}

Some power barges supplying other countries burn heavy fuel oil but plan to convert to LNG.{{cite web|date=2020-12-02|title=Cuba in talks to install more Turkish power barges|url=https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2165284-cuba-in-talks-to-install-more-turkish-power-barges|access-date=2020-12-21|website=www.argusmedia.com|archive-date=2020-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201208021421/https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/2165284-cuba-in-talks-to-install-more-turkish-power-barges|url-status=live}} For exports to the EU the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will be phased in from 2023 to 2026.{{cite web|date=2021-07-16|title=EU announces carbon border tax from 2026 - what lies ahead for exporters from Western Balkans, Turkey|url=https://balkangreenenergynews.com/eu-announces-carbon-border-tax-from-2026-what-lies-ahead-for-exporters-from-western-balkans-turkey/|access-date=2021-07-26|website=Balkan Green Energy News|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726184851/https://balkangreenenergynews.com/eu-announces-carbon-border-tax-from-2026-what-lies-ahead-for-exporters-from-western-balkans-turkey/|url-status=live}} Although Turkish electricity is likely to be cheaper than that generated in the EU, the impact of the CBAM is unclear as of 2021. Kırklareli gas power plant, due to be completed late 2025, is between demand in Istanbul and the border with the EU. More linking transmission is needed, and becoming a full member of ENTSO-E would help exports.{{cite web|last=Popov|first=Julian|date=2021-04-02|title=Why we need an EU-Turkey energy transition platform|url=https://energymonitor.ai/policy/why-we-need-an-eu-turkey-energy-transition-platform|access-date=2021-04-26|website=Energy Monitor|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426072812/https://energymonitor.ai/policy/why-we-need-an-eu-turkey-energy-transition-platform|url-status=live}}

Although the 2013 Electricity Market Law says that distribution companies cannot retail, most customers buy from retail "arms" of their local distribution companies.{{sfnp|IEA|2021|p=100}} Households that consume over a certain amount, and all non-household customers, can switch suppliers.{{sfnp|Mena|2020|p=7}} Retail price increases have often been due to depreciation of the lira.{{Rp|143}} Pricing can vary by region,{{Rp|page=70}} but there is some redistribution,{{Rp|page=43}} and electricity is subsidized for about 2 million households.{{Rp|page=20}} An example of a regional retail company is YEPAŞ (P = perakende = retail).{{cite web|last=|title=Görevli Tedarik Şirketleri|trans-title=Incumbent supply companies|url=https://www.tedas.gov.tr/#!tedas_parakende_sirketleri|url-status=live|access-date=2021-07-08|website=Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation|language=tr|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991127165508/http://tedas.gov.tr:80/ |archive-date=1999-11-27}}

European wiring color codes are used.{{cite web|title=Turkey Power Cords {{!}} Turkey Power Cords and AC Cables|url=http://internationalconfig.com/power-cords-for-turkey-ac-power-cords.asp|access-date=2020-08-21|website=internationalconfig.com|archive-date=2020-04-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429185123/http://internationalconfig.com/power-cords-for-turkey-ac-power-cords.asp|url-status=live}} Schuko plugs (plug type C with 2 round pins, and type F with 2 round pins and 2 earth clips{{cite web|title=Travel Adaptor for Turkey|url=https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/when-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-turkey/|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Electrical Safety First|language=en|archive-date=2021-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814091319/https://www.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/guidance/advice-for-you/when-travelling/travel-adaptor-for-turkey/|url-status=live}}) and sockets are standard, at 230 V{{cite web|title=Elektroni̇k Elektri̇k Sayaçları Tekni̇k Şartnamesi̇|url=https://www.tedas.gov.tr/sx.web.docs/tedas/tedas_arge/docs/sartnameler/tedas_arge/TEDA%C5%9E-MLZ%202017-062%20Elektronik%20Elektrik%20Saya%C3%A7lar%C4%B1%20Teknik%20%C5%9Eartnamesi%20(2019).pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916131856/https://www.tedas.gov.tr/sx.web.docs/tedas/tedas_arge/docs/sartnameler/tedas_arge/TEDA%C5%9E-MLZ%202017-062%20Elektronik%20Elektrik%20Saya%C3%A7lar%C4%B1%20Teknik%20%C5%9Eartnamesi%20(2019).pdf |archive-date=2021-09-16 }} and 50 Hz.{{cite web|title=Electricity, Electric Plugs & Sockets/Points in Turkey|url=https://turkeytravelplanner.com/details/Electricity.html|access-date=2020-06-20|website=Turkey Travel Planner|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-06-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621131111/https://turkeytravelplanner.com/details/Electricity.html|url-status=live}} For public charging of electric vehicles, the European standard Combined Charging System is used.{{cite web|date=2020-01-22|title=Enerji Sektörünün Vicdan Muhasebesi Volume I: Enerji Bürokrasisinde Karar Trajedileri|trans-title=Evaluating the conscience of the Energy Sector Volume I: Tragedies in Energy bureaucracy decisions|url=https://www.enerjiportali.com/enerji-sektorunun-vicdan-muhasebesi-volume-i-enerji-burokrasisinde-karar-trajedileri/|access-date=2020-06-20|website=Enerji Portalı|language=tr|archive-date=2020-06-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623074535/https://www.enerjiportali.com/enerji-sektorunun-vicdan-muhasebesi-volume-i-enerji-burokrasisinde-karar-trajedileri/|url-status=live}} As of 2022, there are no Tesla superchargers.{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Tesla Superchargers in Turkey|url=https://www.tesla.com/findus/list/superchargers/Turkey|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208033011/https://www.tesla.com/findus/list/superchargers/Turkey |archive-date=2017-12-08 |access-date=|website=}}

After purchasing a property in an urban area, earthquake insurance is compulsory before electricity is connected.{{Cite web |title=DASK {{!}} Natural Disaster Insurance Institution {{!}} Law |url=https://dask.gov.tr/en/law |access-date=2022-04-19 |website=dask.gov.tr}} In case of natural disasters or pandemics the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources may cover the financial costs resulting from the postponement (up to one year) of electricity bills, but not the bill amount itself.{{cite web|title=Turkey|url=https://www.energypolicytracker.org/country/turkey/|access-date=2021-11-15|website=Energy Policy Tracker|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211115120724/https://www.energypolicytracker.org/country/turkey/|url-status=live}} {{As of|2022}} the VAT rate for residential customers and agricultural irrigation is 8%.{{Cite news |date=2022-02-28 |title=Turkey cuts VAT on electricity to 8% - Erdogan |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-cuts-vat-electricity-8-erdogan-2022-02-28/ |access-date=2022-03-24}}

{{See also|Coal in Turkey#Subsidies}}

As elsewhere, new renewables are auctioned.{{Cite web|title=Turkish PV defies political ghosts in year of the rooftop|url=https://www.pv-tech.org/editors-blog/turkish-pv-defies-political-ghosts-in-year-of-the-rooftop|access-date=2020-07-06|website=PV Tech|date=27 May 2020 |language=en|archive-date=2020-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706143740/https://www.pv-tech.org/editors-blog/turkish-pv-defies-political-ghosts-in-year-of-the-rooftop|url-status=live}} In 2019 the value-adjusted levelized cost of energy (VALCOE - the cost including power system value but not environmental externalities) of onshore wind was slightly less than solar PV,{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=69}} but solar PV is expected to become the most cost-competitive power generation technology by the late 2020s.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=70}} According to the Chamber of Engineers 75% of electricity in 2021 was dollar indexed.{{Cite web|title=EMO - AKP'ni̇n Enerji̇ Yöneti̇mi̇ İçi̇nde Halk Yok!|trans-title=No People in Ak Party's Energy Management!|url=https://www.emo.org.tr/genel/bizden_detay.php?kod=136880&tipi=5&sube=0|access-date=2022-01-21|website=Chamber of Electrical Engineers -|archive-date=2022-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121185837/https://www.emo.org.tr/genel/bizden_detay.php?kod=136880&tipi=5&sube=0|url-status=live}} In 2021 new wind and solar was cheaper than existing power stations burning imported coal.{{Cite web|date=2021-09-27|title=Turkey: New wind and solar power now cheaper than running existing coal plants relying on imports|url=https://ember-climate.org/commentary/2021/09/28/turkey-coal-wind-solar-costs/|access-date=2022-01-24|website=Ember|language=en-GB|archive-date=2021-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929162349/https://ember-climate.org/commentary/2021/09/28/turkey-coal-wind-solar-costs/|url-status=live}} {{As of|2024}} a megawatt of electricity from imported coal cost around 50 USD, somewhat less than from gas.{{Rp|page=23}} {{As of|2018}}, if all currently economic renewable projects were developed, the added electricity generation would be sufficient to reduce Turkey's natural gas imports by 20%,{{cite news|date=6 December 2019|title=Turkey's Energy Sector Dynamics|publisher=Atlantic Council|url=https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/events/past-events/turkey-s-energy-sector-dynamics|access-date=6 May 2019|archive-date=6 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190506141236/https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/events/past-events/turkey-s-energy-sector-dynamics|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last1=Ozcan|first1=Mustafa|year=2018|title=The role of renewables in increasing Turkey's self-sufficiency in electrical energy|journal=Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews|volume=82|pages=2629–2639|doi=10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.111|bibcode=2018RSERv..82.2629O }}

and every GW of solar power installed would save over $100{{nbsp}}million on the gas bill.{{Cite web|date=2020-02-19|title=Solar is key in reducing Turkish gas imports|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/solar-is-key-in-reducing-turkish-gas-imports-152228|newspaper=Hürriyet Daily News|access-date=2020-09-20|archive-date=2020-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406045959/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/solar-is-key-in-reducing-turkish-gas-imports-152228|url-status=live}} According to EMRA exports to the EU accompanied by YEK-G will be exempt from the electricity CBAM.{{Rp|page=88}}

{{As of|2019}}, about 15% of power was generated by the public sector.{{Cite web|last=Sonmez|first=Mustafa|date=2019-12-19|title=Turkey's energy miscalculations have hefty cost|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/turkey-russia-energy-miscalculations-have-hefty-cost.html|access-date=2019-12-21|website=Al-Monitor|language=en|archive-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221143311/https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2019/12/turkey-russia-energy-miscalculations-have-hefty-cost.html|url-status=live}} During the 2010s, power companies borrowed heavily in dollars, but economic growth was overestimated and they overbuilt generating capacity. This resulted in bank debts of $34 billion by 2019 and revenues declining in dollar terms due to the fall in the lira; furthermore, 7% of debts were non-performing.{{cite news|last1=Direskeneli|first1=Haluk|date=10 January 2019|title=Turkey: Energy And Infrastructure Forecast, Risks And Opportunities 2019 – OpEd|work=Eurasia Review|url=https://www.eurasiareview.com/10012019-turkey-energy-and-infrastructure-forecast-risks-and-opportunities-2019-oped/|access-date=18 April 2019|archive-date=18 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418082744/https://www.eurasiareview.com/10012019-turkey-energy-and-infrastructure-forecast-risks-and-opportunities-2019-oped/|url-status=live}} In the early 2020s, Turkish electricity companies still owe much foreign currency,{{Cite web|last=Yeşilada|first=Atilla|date=2021-02-01|title=Energy companies in debt, cut electricity|url=https://paturkey.com/news/energy-companies-in-debt-cut-electricity/2021/|access-date=2021-02-12|website=P.A. Turkey|archive-date=2021-02-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203161416/https://paturkey.com/news/energy-companies-in-debt-cut-electricity/2021/|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Emerging-market lockdowns match rich-world ones. The handouts do not |url=https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2020/04/04/emerging-market-lockdowns-match-rich-world-ones-the-handouts-do-not |newspaper=The Economist |date=4 April 2020 }} debt is being restructured{{Cite news|last=Altayli|first=Ebru Tuncay, Birsen|date=2020-09-15|title=Exclusive: Turkish companies seek fresh debt restructuring as virus hits - sources|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/turkey-debt-restructuring-exclusive-int-idUSKBN266293|access-date=2021-02-12|archive-date=2020-10-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008165040/https://www.reuters.com/article/turkey-debt-restructuring-exclusive-int-idUSKBN266293|url-status=live}} and plants are changing ownership.{{Cite web|last=Di̇reskeneli̇|first=Haluk|date=2020-01-03|title=Enerji piyasalarında 2020 yılı öngörüleri|trans-title=A look ahead at the 2020 electricity market|url=https://www.enerjigunlugu.net/enerji-piyasalarinda-2020-yili-ongoruleri-31771yy.htm|website=Enerji Günlüğü|language=tr|access-date=2020-01-04|archive-date=2020-11-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130145541/https://www.enerjigunlugu.net/enerji-piyasalarinda-2020-yili-ongoruleri-31771yy.htm|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=News|first=Bloomberg|date=2021-01-06|title=Engie Agrees to Sell Power Plant, Gas Grid in Turkey to Palmet - BNN Bloomberg|url=https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/engie-agrees-to-sell-power-plant-gas-grid-in-turkey-to-palmet-1.1544504|access-date=2021-02-12|website=BNN|archive-date=2021-01-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108004959/https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/engie-agrees-to-sell-power-plant-gas-grid-in-turkey-to-palmet-1.1544504|url-status=live}} In 2021 BOTAŞ charged more for gas than before, leaving gas-fired power stations at a disadvantage to coal-fired power stations.{{Cite web|date=2021-02-17|title=German AE Solar to open solar panel factory in Turkey in April|url=https://balkangreenenergynews.com/german-ae-solar-to-open-solar-panel-factory-in-turkey-in-april/|access-date=2021-02-28|website=Balkan Green Energy News|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227023712/https://balkangreenenergynews.com/german-ae-solar-to-open-solar-panel-factory-in-turkey-in-april/|url-status=live}}

About half the electricity used in 2019 was generated from local resources.{{Cite web|title=Hydroelectric best energy choice for Turkey, research shows|url=https://www.electricityturkey.com/en/hydroelectric-best-energy-choice-for-turkey-research-shows/|access-date=2020-06-20|website=www.electricityturkey.com|language=tr|archive-date=2020-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508213048/http://www.electricityturkey.com/en/hydroelectric-best-energy-choice-for-turkey-research-shows/|url-status=live}} Total import dependency in the power sector was over 50% in 2019.{{sfnp|Ayas|2020|p=13}} It has, for example, been predicted that more trade would benefit electricity in Bulgaria by stabilizing its price.{{Cite web|title=Bulgaria - Power Generation|url=https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=Bulgaria-Power-Generation-Oil-and-Gas-Renewable-Sources-of-Energy-and-Energy-Efficiency|access-date=2020-11-12|website=www.privacyshield.gov|archive-date=2021-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329181439/https://www.privacyshield.gov/article?id=Bulgaria-Power-Generation-Oil-and-Gas-Renewable-Sources-of-Energy-and-Energy-Efficiency|url-status=live}}

The main growth in solar and wind during the 2020s is predicted to be in Renewable Energy Resource Areas(YEKA): these use auctions and include a requirement to manufacture mostly in Turkey.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=79}} The EU has complained that local content requirements are against trade agreements.{{sfnp|European Commission|2021|page=102}} Build Own Operate is being used to construct Akkuyu nuclear plant to ensure that responsibility for cost overruns is with Rosatom.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=79}} Power purchase agreements are offered by the government both for nuclear and local coal.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=80}}{{sfnp|European Commission|2021|page=103}} The financing of the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and continuation beyond 2023 is unclear.{{sfnp|European Commission|2021|page=103}}

The capacity mechanism regulation says that the purpose of the payments to create sufficient installed power capacity, including the spare capacity required for supply security in the electricity market, and/or to maintain reliable installed power capacity for long-term system security.{{Cite web|title=18 Aralık 2021 CUMARTESİ|url=https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/12/20211218-9.htm|access-date=2022-01-18|website=www.resmigazete.gov.tr|archive-date=2022-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102033842/https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2021/12/20211218-9.htm|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=The Energy Market Regulatory Authority Has Published The Regulation on the Electricity Market Capacity Mechanism|url=https://www.cetinkaya.com/insights/the-energy-market-regulatory-authority-has-published-the-regulation-on-the-electricity-market-capacity-mechanism|access-date=2022-01-18|website=www.cetinkaya.com|archive-date=2022-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118183255/https://www.cetinkaya.com/insights/the-energy-market-regulatory-authority-has-published-the-regulation-on-the-electricity-market-capacity-mechanism|url-status=live}} The 2021 capacity mechanism budget was 2.6 billion lira (US$ {{To USD round|2600|TUR|2021|sf=2}} million). Some hydropower plants, plants burning local coal, and plants older than 13 years burning imported fuel are eligible. In 2022 ten hydro plants, several gas power plants and many lignite-fired plants were eligible for the capacity mechanism:{{Cite web|last=ki|first=Zeki ARIK dedi|date=2021-10-28|title="2022 Kapasite Mekanizmasından Yararlanacak Santraller"|url=https://www.enerjiportali.com/2022-kapasite-mekanizmasindan-yararlanacak-santraller/|access-date=2022-01-18|website=Enerji Portalı|language=tr|archive-date=2022-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119001636/https://www.enerjiportali.com/2022-kapasite-mekanizmasindan-yararlanacak-santraller/|url-status=live}} and capacity payments included variable cost components and the market exchange price, as well as fixed cost components and the total installed power capacity by source. These payments have been criticised by some economists. A study published in 2023 surveyed experts and found that most wanted the capacity mechanism to be reformed, for example by including demand response or zonal pricing: however policymakers were not keen on raising the price cap.{{cite journal |last1=Korucan |first1=Aysun |last2=Yardimci |first2=Okan |title=Capacity Payments in the Turkish Electricity Market: A Necessity or Policy? |journal=International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy |date=10 November 2023 |volume=13 |issue=6 |pages=81–92 |doi=10.32479/ijeep.14833 |doi-access=free }}

{{As of|2021|}}, feed-in-tariffs in lira per MWh are: wind and solar 320, hydro 400, geothermal 540, and various rates for different types of biomass: for all these there is also a bonus of 80 per MWh if local components are used.{{Cite web|last=Olğun|first=Kinstellar-Şeyma|title=New Turkish-Lira tariff scheme for renewable energy projects in Turkey {{!}} Lexology|url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=73fa54e4-0571-487b-b532-466c4893c8f6|access-date=2021-02-03|website=www.lexology.com|date=February 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214033608/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=73fa54e4-0571-487b-b532-466c4893c8f6|url-status=live}} Tariffs apply for 10 years. Rates are determined by the presidency,{{Cite web|title=Amendments In The Law On Utilization Of Renewable Energy Sources For The Purpose Of Generating Electrical Energy - Energy and Natural Resources - Turkey|url=https://www.mondaq.com/turkey/renewables/1014560/amendments-in-the-law-on-utilization-of-renewable-energy-sources-for-the-purpose-of-generating-electrical-energy|access-date=2020-12-21|website=www.mondaq.com|archive-date=2022-02-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219140035/https://www.mondaq.com/turkey/renewables/1014560/amendments-in-the-law-on-utilization-of-renewable-energy-sources-for-the-purpose-of-generating-electrical-energy|url-status=live}} and the scheme replaced the previous USD-denominated feed-in-tariffs for renewable energy.{{Cite report|url=https://www.pwc.com.tr/energy-deals|title=Energy Deals 2019|date=February 2020|publisher=PricewaterhouseCoopers|access-date=2020-08-13|archive-date=2021-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112164833/https://www.pwc.com.tr/energy-deals|url-status=live}} Thus, as in some other countries, the wholesale price of renewable electricity is much less volatile in local currency than the price of fossil fuelled electricity. Another notable aspect of the Turkish renewable energy subsidization program is the strong emphasis on local content, as was the case with additional YEKDEM payments to investments with a degree of locally-manufactured equipment utilization.{{Citation |last=Cagdas Artantas |first=Onur |title=Green Electricity Promotion in Turkey |date=2023 |work=Promotion of Green Electricity in Germany and Turkey: A Comparison with Reference to the WTO and EU Law |series=European Yearbook of International Economic Law |volume=33 |pages=169–187 |editor-last=Cagdas Artantas |editor-first=Onur |url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-44760-0_7 |access-date=2024-08-27 |place=Cham |publisher=Springer Nature Switzerland |language=en |doi=10.1007/978-3-031-44760-0_7 |isbn=978-3-031-44760-0|url-access=subscription }} This local content bonus is awarded for 5 years.

The complicated system{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=78}} of prices to end consumers is regulated by the government.{{cite news|date=13 May 2019|title=Turkey presses banks to agree high-stakes bailout of bad energy loans|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-economy-bailout-exclusive/exclusive-turkey-presses-banks-to-agree-high-stakes-bailout-of-bad-energy-loans-idUSKCN1SJ0BY|access-date=16 May 2019|archive-date=17 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517034155/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-economy-bailout-exclusive/exclusive-turkey-presses-banks-to-agree-high-stakes-bailout-of-bad-energy-loans-idUSKCN1SJ0BY|url-status=live}} A green tariff called YETA (the certificates are called YEK-G) to allow consumers to buy only sustainable electricity was introduced in 2021.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Elektri̇k Pi̇yasasinda Yeni̇lenebi̇li̇r Enerji̇ Kaynak Garanti̇ Belgesi̇ Yönetmeli̇ği̇|url=https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2020/11/20201114-2.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113214826/https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2020/11/20201114-2.htm |archive-date=2020-11-13 |access-date=2021-01-02|website=www.resmigazete.gov.tr}} The YETA price{{Rp|page=88}} is higher than the regular price{{Rp|page=89}} by a certain amount per kWh (about 1 lira in 2022).{{Rp|page=35}}

Electricity prices were greatly increased in early 2022 following a large depreciation of the lira in 2021.{{Cite web|title=Turkey starts 2022 with major price and tax hikes|url=https://bianet.org/english/economy/255642-turkey-starts-2022-with-major-price-and-tax-hikes|url-status=live|website=Bianet|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103075623/https://bianet.org/english/economy/255642-turkey-starts-2022-with-major-price-and-tax-hikes |archive-date=2022-01-03 }} Household consumption under 210 kWh a month is priced at a cheaper rate.{{Cite web|title=Steps being taken to rein in high inflation: Erdoğan - Turkey News|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/we-are-taking-steps-to-protect-our-people-from-high-inflation-erdogan-171180|access-date=2022-02-02|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=February 2022 |language=en|archive-date=2022-02-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220202124122/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/we-are-taking-steps-to-protect-our-people-from-high-inflation-erdogan-171180|url-status=live}} There is some time based pricing: with 2200 to 0600 being cheapest followed by 0600 to 1700, and 1700 to 2200 being the most expensive. According to Shura Energy Center moving to more time-based end user pricing would be beneficial: with prices being somewhat higher in the early morning and a lot higher in the late afternoon, as there is plenty of sunshine to meet demand in the middle of the day (see also duck curve). Shura suggested in 2020 that future pricing should be more competitive and better reflect costs, with low-income families being continued to be supported with direct payments.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=32}} Vulnerable families are supported with direct payments for their electricity consumption up to 150 kWh/month.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=81}} In early 2022, prices for small businesses became a political issue, as they had risen a lot due to global energy prices rises and the depreciation of the lira.{{Cite news|title=Popular anger simmers in Turkey over ballooning electricity bills|url=https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/02/popular-anger-simmers-turkey-over-ballooning-electricity-bills|access-date=2022-02-11|website=Al-Monitor|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211101544/https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2022/02/popular-anger-simmers-turkey-over-ballooning-electricity-bills|url-status=live}} There were street protests, and the main opposition Republican People’s Party leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu refused to pay his own bill in support.{{Cite news|date=2022-02-08|title=Turkey electricity crisis brings thousands on to the streets|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/2022/02/08/turkey-electricity-crisis-brings-thousands-on-to-the-streets/|access-date=2022-02-11|website=The National|language=en|archive-date=2022-02-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211134816/https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/2022/02/08/turkey-electricity-crisis-brings-thousands-on-to-the-streets/|url-status=live}} The president said that businesses would also be moved to a tiered pricing system, the number of households supported would be almost doubled to four million, and civil society organisations would be moved to the household rate.{{Cite web|date=17 February 2022|title=Turkey to 'reassess' electricity prices, says Erdoğan|url=https://bianet.org/english/politics/257864-turkey-to-reassess-electricity-prices-says-erdogan|website=Bianet|access-date=17 February 2022|archive-date=17 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217073717/https://bianet.org/english/politics/257864-turkey-to-reassess-electricity-prices-says-erdogan|url-status=live}}

In 2023 Shura suggested that the {{Ill|electricity consumption tax|tr|Elektrik tüketim vergisi}} (ETV or BTV) of 5% residential, was unfairly disadvantaging electricity over gas, for example by taxing electricity powering heat pumps more than gas for heating. They said that taxes and subsidies for residential gas and electricity should at least be equalized.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-16 |title=Electrification of Türkiye's Residential and Industrial Process Heat - SHURA |url=https://shura.org.tr/en/electrification-of-turkiyes-residential-and-industrial-process-heat-2/ |access-date=2023-11-12 |language=en-US}}{{Rp|pages=17–18}}

{{See also|Greenhouse gas emissions by Turkey#Path to net zero}}

Turkey's coal-fired power stations (many of which are subsidized) are the largest source of greenhouse-gas emissions by Turkey.{{Cite news|date=2 July 2020|title=Six coal-fired plants continue to emit thick smoke after end of suspension|work=bianet|url=http://bianet.org/english/environment/226781-six-coal-fired-plants-continue-to-emit-thick-smoke-after-end-of-suspension|access-date=6 July 2020|archive-date=24 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224131736/https://bianet.org/english/environment/226781-six-coal-fired-plants-continue-to-emit-thick-smoke-after-end-of-suspension|url-status=live}} Production of public heat and electricity emitted 131 megatonnes of {{CO2}} equivalent ({{CO2}}e) in 2020,{{cite tech report

|work=Turkish Statistical Institute

|title=Turkish Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990 – 2020 common reporting format (CRF) tables [TurkStat tables]

|date=14 April 2022

|url=https://unfccc.int/documents/461898

|format=TUR_2022_2020_14042022_045644

}}{{Rp|table 1s1 cell B10}} mainly through coal burning.{{efn|The 2019 carbon content (t/TJ), oxidation factor and CO₂ emission intensity (t/TJ NCV), respectively, of the main fossil fuels burnt in Turkish power stations were:{{cite tech report

|work=Turkish Statistical Institute

|title=Turkish Greenhouse Gas Inventory report [TurkStat report]

|date=April 2021

|url=https://unfccc.int/documents/271544

|access-date=2021-04-15

|archive-date=2021-04-14

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414114920/https://unfccc.int/documents/271544

|url-status=live

}}{{Rp|49 & 50, table 3.5, 3.6, 3.7}}

• lignite: 30, 0.966, 107
• bituminous coal: 27, 0.983, 97
• natural gas: 15, 1, 54

These figures are unremarkable except for the extremely low-quality lignite, which is explained in detail in Coal in Turkey. The CO₂ emission intensity (or emission factor) shown above is the mass of CO₂ emitted for each unit of heat produced by burning a fuel. In contrast, the grid emission intensity is the mass of {{CO2}}e produced per unit of electricity supplied to the electrical grid. Because thermal power stations generally convert less than half of the heat energy into electrical energy,{{Cite journal|last=Zhang|first=Tongjun|date=2020|title=Methods of Improving the Efficiency of Thermal Power Plants|journal=J. Phys.: Conf. Ser.|language=en|volume=1449|issue=1 |page=012001|doi=10.1088/1742-6596/1449/1/012001|bibcode=2020JPhCS1449a2001Z |doi-access=free}} their numbers for grid emission intensity are much greater than those shown above. }} Almost all coal burnt in power stations is local lignite or imported hard coal. Coal analysis of Turkish lignite compared to other lignites shows that it is high in ash and moisture, low in energy value and high in emission intensity (that is Turkish lignite emits more {{CO2}} than other countries' lignites per unit of energy when burnt).{{Cite web|url=https://www.powerengineeringint.com/coal-fired/cfb-in-turkey-the-right-timing-for-the-right-technology/|title=CFB in Turkey: The right timing for the right technology|website=www.powerengineeringint.com|date=December 2017 |access-date=2019-09-08|archive-date=2020-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801065509/https://www.powerengineeringint.com/coal-fired/cfb-in-turkey-the-right-timing-for-the-right-technology/|url-status=live}} Although imported hard coal has a lower emission intensity when burnt, as it is transported much further its life-cycle greenhouse-gas emissions are similar to lignite.{{cite journal

|last1=Atilgan

|first1=Burcin

|last2=Azapagic

|first2=Adisa

|date=2016

|title=An integrated life cycle sustainability assessment of electricity generation in Turkey

|journal=Energy Policy

|volume=93

|pages=168–186

|doi=10.1016/j.enpol.2016.02.055

|doi-access=free

|bibcode=2016EnPol..93..168A

}}{{Rp|177}}

Unlike other European countries emission intensity has not improved since 1990 and remains over 400 gm of {{CO2}}/kWh, around the average for G20 countries.{{Cite web|date=2 July 2018|title=Turkey|url=https://www.climate-transparency.org/countries/europe/turkey|url-status=live|access-date=12 May 2021|website=Climate Transparency|language=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111181414/https://www.climate-transparency.org/countries/europe/turkey |archive-date=2019-11-11 }} Investment in wind and solar is hampered by subsidies for coal.{{Cite report

|last=Brown

|first=Sarah

|date=March 2021

|title=Global Electricity Review 2021: Turkish coal generation fell for a second consecutive year

|url=https://ember-climate.org/global-electricity-review-2021/g20-profiles/turkey/

|publisher=Ember

|access-date=2021-04-07

|archive-date=2021-10-27

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027043904/https://ember-climate.org/global-electricity-review-2021/g20-profiles/turkey/

|url-status=live

}}{{Rp|10}} According to a 2021 study by several NGOs if coal power subsidies were completely abolished and a carbon price introduced at around US$40 (which is much cheaper than the EU Allowance) then no coal power plants would be profitable and all would close down before 2030.{{Cite web|title=First Step in the Pathway to a Carbon Neutral Turkey: Coal Phase out 2030|url=https://sefia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Coal-Phaset-Out-2030.pdf|url-status=live|publisher=APLUS Energy for Europe Beyond Coal, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, Sustainable Economics and Finance Research Association (SEFiA), WWF-Turkey (World Wildlife Fund), Greenpeace Mediterranean, 350.org and Climate Change Policy and Research Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107174720/https://sefia.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Coal-Phaset-Out-2030.pdf |archive-date=2021-11-07 }} A 2021 decarbonization plan by Istanbul Policy Center, a thinktank, has almost all coal power shutdown by 2035; whereas natural gas plants would continue to run to provide flexibility for greatly increased wind and solar, but at a much lower capacity factor.{{Cite web|last=Şahin|first=Umit|title=Turkey's Decarbonization Pathway Net Zero in 2050 Executive Summary|url=https://ipc.sabanciuniv.edu/Content/Images/CKeditorImages/20211103-20111678.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229194200/https://ipc.sabanciuniv.edu/Content/Images/CKeditorImages/20211103-20111678.pdf |archive-date=2021-12-29 }}

The Turkish Solar İndustry Association suggests that building solar plants next to hydropower would help to stabilize output in times of drought. Shura also suggest that excess renewable electricity could be used to produce green hydrogen.{{Cite web|title=Techno-Economic Study of Turkey's Production and Export Potential For Green Hydrogen – SHURA|date=17 December 2021 |url=https://shura.org.tr/en/techno-economic-study-of-turkeys-production-and-export-potential-for-green-hydrogen/|access-date=2022-01-20|language=en-US|archive-date=2022-01-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119204030/https://shura.org.tr/en/techno-economic-study-of-turkeys-production-and-export-potential-for-green-hydrogen/|url-status=live}} Turkey is not aligned with the EU carbon capture and storage directive.{{sfnp|European Commission|2021|page=108}}

{{See also|Energy in Turkey#Policy and regulation}}

{{As of|2020}} Turkey's three main policy objectives are to meet forecast increased demand, a predictable market, and to reduce import costs.{{sfnp|IEA|2021|p=103}}{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=37}} To meet these objectives policy includes increasing generation from solar, wind and domestic coal;{{sfnp|IEA|2021|p=105}} and starting to produce nuclear energy. {{As of|2022}} some of these generation methods are subsidized - for example EÜAŞ will purchase the forthcoming nuclear power at an agreed price.{{sfnp|IEA|2021|p=100}} Coal is heavily subsidized in Turkey. Storage and transmission improvements are also supported - for example increasing the amount of pumped hydro.{{sfnp|IEA|2021|p=107}}

The government aims for half of electricity to be from renewable energy by 2023;{{cite web |title=Renewable Energy Investment in Turkey: Between Aspiration and Endurance |url=http://turkishpolicy.com/article/933/renewable-energy-investment-in-turkey-between-aspiration-and-endurance |publisher=Turkish Policy Quarterly |access-date=27 November 2018 |archive-date=3 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203081644/http://turkishpolicy.com/article/933/renewable-energy-investment-in-turkey-between-aspiration-and-endurance |url-status=live }} with capacity targets of 32 GW for hydropower, 12 GW for wind, 10 GW for solar, and 3 GW for biomass and geothermal combined.{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=37}} Shura Energy Transition Center have suggested that longer-term plans and targets would also be useful, together with a policy on distributed generation,{{sfnp|Godron|2018|p=108}} market design to incentivize grid flexibility was also suggested.{{sfnp|Godron|2018|p=108}} The objectives are developing local manufacturing capacity such as wind turbines,{{sfnp|Difiglio|Güray|Merdan|2020|p=33}} technology transfer and creating a competitive domestic market for low-cost renewable energy.Sarı&Saygın (2018), p7 For wind and solar tenders, there is a high domestic content requirement, and imported solar modules are taxed. According to the European Commission the domestic content requirements contradict World Trade Organization and EU-Turkey Customs Union rules.{{sfnp|European Commission|2021|page=103}} A solar PV factory was opened in 2020.{{Cite web|date=2020-08-19|title=Turkey opens integrated solar cell factory within USD 1.4 billion project|url=https://balkangreenenergynews.com/turkey-opens-integrated-solar-cell-factory-within-usd-1-4-billion-project/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=Balkan Green Energy News|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821005538/https://balkangreenenergynews.com/turkey-opens-integrated-solar-cell-factory-within-usd-1-4-billion-project/|url-status=live}} Developing regulation to specify the role of aggregators in providing flexibility, and including energy storage systems and demand side management within ancillary services, has been suggested.{{Cite report|url=https://newclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Report_Transition_Towards_A_Decorbanised_Electricity_Sector_A2A_2019.pdf|title=Transition towards a decarbonised electricity sector –A framework of analysis for power system transformation|page=49|date=|access-date=2020-02-10|archive-date=2021-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529234013/https://newclimate.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Report_Transition_Towards_A_Decorbanised_Electricity_Sector_A2A_2019.pdf|url-status=live}}

In 2023 the Chamber of Mechanical Engineers criticised the just published National Energy plan as amateurish: they said that it forecast generation of 174 TWh in 2035 with 57 GW of fossil fuel power plants but that, in 2021, 215 TWh was generated from 46 GW installed.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-26 |title=İKTİDAR YANLIŞ ENERJİ POLİTİKALARINI SÜRDÜRMEKTE KARARLI |url=https://www.mmo.org.tr/merkez/basin-aciklamasi/iktidar-yanlis-enerji-politikalarini-surdurmekte-kararli |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=TMMOB Makina Mühendisleri Odası |language=tr}} Shura Energy Center said in 2023 that the electricity sector should take the lead in decarbonisation to the 2053 net zero goal.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-27 |title=Net Zero 2053: Energy Sector Policies - SHURA |url=https://shura.org.tr/en/net-zero-2053-energy-sector-policies/ |access-date=2024-02-14 |language=en-US}}{{Rp|page=3}}

{{See also|Railway electrification in Turkey}}

File:SantralIstanbul control room foto3.jpg, now in a museum|alt=Children fiddling with knobs on a long flat grey metal surface with large dials facing them ]]

File:Control room of Zetes-3 power station.jpg, which environmentalists would like to put in a museum|alt=People in hi-vis jackets sitting at a long desk with displays and larger displays on the walls behind]]

In 1875 a French company was awarded a 5 year concession to power Istanbul's Üsküdar district, Thessaloniki and Edirne, and was awarded a 4-year concession for electric lighting of several other cities. However, despite the agreement, no progress was made.{{Rp|page=3}} The first power station in the Ottoman Empire was a small hydroelectric power station built in 1902 outside Tarsus.{{Cite web|title=Turkey's hydropower capacity grows despite drought lowering output|url=https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/hydropower-capacity-grows-despite-drought-lowering-output-167560|access-date=2022-02-18|website=Hürriyet Daily News|date=2 September 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2022-02-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220218113606/https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/hydropower-capacity-grows-despite-drought-lowering-output-167560|url-status=live}} Electricity was transmitted to the city centre at high voltage, then distributed to customers at low voltage for their lighting.{{cite journal |last1=Arslan |first1=Ozan |title=Tarsus Elektrik Altyapısı Tarihine Bir Bakış (1906-1938) |journal=Tarih İncelemeleri Dergisi |date=19 July 2017 |volume=32 |issue=1 |pages=1–16 |doi=10.18513/egetid.327725 |doi-access=free }} During this period tenders for power were generally awarded to foreigners, due to lack of Ottoman finance and expertise.{{Cite web |last=Erol |first=Emine |date=2007 |title=Türki̇ye'de Elektri̇k Enerji̇si̇ni̇n Tari̇hi̇ Geli̇şi̇mi̇: 1902–2000 |trans-title=Historical Development of Electric Energy in Turkey: 1902–2000 |url=http://nek.istanbul.edu.tr:4444/ekos/TEZ/42928.pdf |website=Istanbul University}}{{Rp|pages=72,73}}

Generating power in Istanbul for tramlines, lighting and the telephone network from 1914, Silahtarağa Power Station (now a museum that is part of SantralIstanbul) was the first large power station.{{Cite web|last=Zeytinli|first=Emine|title=Ownership of the electricity market in Finland and Turkey (1900-2000)|url=http://scholararticles.net/ownership-of-the-electricity-market-in-finland-and-turkey-1900-2000/|access-date=2020-07-06|archive-date=2020-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706142858/http://scholararticles.net/ownership-of-the-electricity-market-in-finland-and-turkey-1900-2000/|url-status=live}}{{Cite report|url=http://www.tedas.gov.tr/|title=2019 yili Türki̇ye Elektri̇k Dağitimi Sektör raporu|last=|first=|date=|publisher=TEDAŞ|language=tr|access-date=2020-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418071800/http://www.tedas.gov.tr/|archive-date=2019-04-18|trans-title=2019 Turkey Electricity Distribution sector report|url-status=live}} By the start of the Turkish Republic in 1923, one in twenty people was supplied with electricity. Between 1925 and 1933, many cities built diesel fired power stations, and a couple were powered by wood gas.{{Rp|page=4}}

The electricity sector was nationalized in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and by the end of nationalization, almost a quarter of the population was supplied with electricity.{{sfnp|World Bank|2015|page=58}} However only big cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir received continuous electricity in the 1950s; other cities were electrified only between dusk and 10 or 11 in the evening.{{Cite journal |last=Yurtoğlu |first=Nadi̇r |date=2018 |title=Cumhuri̇yet Türkiye'sinde Elektri̇k Enerji̇si̇ Üreti̇mi̇ ve Enerji̇ Politikaları (1923-1960) |trans-title=Electricity generation and Energy Policies in Turkey (1923-1960) |url=https://www.atam.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/nadir-yurto%C4%9Flu.pdf |journal=Atatürk Araştırma Merkezi Dergisi |access-date=2022-03-18 |archive-date=2021-02-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217222717/https://www.atam.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/nadir-yurto%C4%9Flu.pdf |url-status=live|volume=34|issue=98|pages=227–280 }}{{Rp|page=243}}

The Turkish Electricity Authority was created in 1970 and consolidated almost all of the sector.{{sfnp|World Bank|2015|page=58}} By the end of the 20th century, almost all the population was supplied with electricity.{{sfnp|World Bank|2015|page=65}} Privatization of the electricity sector started in 1984{{sfnp|World Bank|2015|page=58}} and began "in earnest" in 2004{{Cite report|year=2015|title=Power in Turkey|url=https://www.powermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Turkey-Power-2015-Power-Report-v5-Web.pdf|publisher=Global Business Reports|access-date=2020-07-06|archive-date=2016-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417150654/http://www.powermag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Turkey-Power-2015-Power-Report-v5-Web.pdf|url-status=live}} after the Electricity Market Law was passed in 2001.{{Cite report|year=2017|title=Turkish Energy Market Outlook|url=https://www.dunyaenerji.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/turkish-energy-market-outlook.pdf|publisher=World Energy Council|access-date=2020-07-06|archive-date=2020-07-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706143446/https://www.dunyaenerji.org.tr/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/turkish-energy-market-outlook.pdf|url-status=live}}

In 2009 electricity demand fell due to the Great Recession.{{Rp|page=14}} In 2015, there was a one day national blackout, and an independent energy exchange was created. Also in the 2010s, the grid was synchronized with continental Europe,{{Cite web|date=21 September 2015|title=Report on Blackout in Turkey on 31st March 2015|url=https://eepublicdownloads.entsoe.eu/clean-documents/SOC%20documents/Regional_Groups_Continental_Europe/20150921_Black_Out_Report_v10_w.pdf|url-status=live|access-date=30 November 2021|website=ENTSO-E|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127214857/https://eepublicdownloads.entsoe.eu/clean-documents/SOC%20documents/Regional_Groups_Continental_Europe/20150921_Black_Out_Report_v10_w.pdf |archive-date=2020-11-27 }} and the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEİAŞ) joined the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) as an observer - although they later left.{{Cite web|title=Turkey Report 2021|url=https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/turkey-report-2021_en|access-date=2021-11-15|website=European Commission|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107142246/https://ec.europa.eu/neighbourhood-enlargement/turkey-report-2021_en|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=International Cooperation|url=https://www.entsoe.eu/cooperation/|access-date=2021-01-24|website=www.entsoe.eu|language=en-us|archive-date=2021-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205192929/https://www.entsoe.eu/cooperation/|url-status=live}} Energy efficiency and generation goals were set for 2023, the centenary of the establishment of modern Turkey.{{Cite web|title=TEİAŞ|url=https://www.teias.gov.tr/en-US/about-us|access-date=2021-01-24|website=www.teias.gov.tr|archive-date=2022-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310122327/https://www.teias.gov.tr/en-US/about-us|url-status=live}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{notelist}}

{{clear}}

{{reflist|2}}

• Artantas, Onur Cagdas (2023). [https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-44760-0 Promotion of Green Electricity in Germany and Turkey A Comparison with Reference to the WTO and EU Law] (Book). Springer Cham. ISBN 978-3-031-44759-4.
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• [https://enerji.gov.tr/Media/Dizin/EIGM/tr/Raporlar/TUEP/T%C3%BCrkiye_National_Energy_Plan.pdf National Energy Plan to 2035 published 2022]

• [https://seffaflik.epias.com.tr/transparency/index.xhtml Markets, generation and consumption short term statistics] Energy Exchange Istanbul
• [https://ytbsbilgi.teias.gov.tr/ytbsbilgi/frm_istatistikler.jsf Hourly generation by source for selected day] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822170431/https://ytbsbilgi.teias.gov.tr/ytbsbilgi/frm_istatistikler.jsf |date=2021-08-22 }} Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation
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• [https://www.tedas.gov.tr/#!tedas_tarifeler Retail prices]
• [https://shura.org.tr/en/powerflow/ Power flow simulator]
• [http://www.elder.org.tr/en Association of Distribution System Operators]
• [https://www.smartgridturkey.org/ Smart Grid Turkey]
• [https://app.electricitymap.org/zone/TR Live carbon emissions from electricity generation] electricityMap Live built by Tomorrow

{{Asia topic|Electricity sector in}}

{{Europe topic|Electricity sector in}}