Türkiye Plans Major Offshore Wind Expansion
Türkiye is planning a major expansion of wind energy, including its first offshore wind tender, as the country looks to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imports.
Speaking at the Türkiye Wind Energy Congress, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the government aims to make 2026 “the year of wind”, with around 1,500 megawatts of planned Renewable Energy Resource Area (YEKA) tenders focused on wind power.
The country has also identified four offshore wind development areas near Saros Bay, Gökçeada, Bozcaada and Edremit, with Türkiye aiming to reach 5 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2035.
The announcement forms part of a broader strategy to expand domestic energy production and improve supply security amid growing global energy uncertainty.
Wind power already plays an increasing role in Türkiye’s electricity system. The country’s installed wind capacity has grown from just 20 megawatts in 2005 to more than 15 gigawatts today, accounting for around 11% of electricity generation in 2025.
To support further growth, Türkiye plans to invest around $30 billion in transmission infrastructure by 2035, helping expand renewable capacity and strengthen the electricity grid as electricity demand rises.
The offshore push reflects a broader shift towards domestically produced renewable energy, as countries look to improve energy security, reduce import dependence and expand long-term electricity supply.