Turkey has unveiled an ambitious energy transformation plan aimed at reducing its dependence on coal and other fossil fuels as the country prepares to host the COP31 climate change summit in Antalya.
The proposed changes, announced by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, are expected to reshape how Turkey produces and consumes energy over the coming years. The initiative is part of the government’s broader ambition to strengthen energy independence, reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy sources.
The announcement comes as international attention turns to Turkey ahead of COP31, where world leaders and climate representatives are expected to discuss strategies for addressing global warming and advancing environmental sustainability.
Turkey Targets Major Reduction in Carbon Emissions
Speaking about the country’s future energy direction, Bayraktar introduced the National Energy Plan 2040, which outlines Turkey’s strategy for moving towards cleaner and more sustainable energy.
Under the plan, Turkey aims to reduce its emissions by 40 per cent by 2040 while increasing electrification across different sectors of its economy.
The government also intends to increase the contribution of solar and wind power to electricity generation by more than four times over the next 13 years.
Currently, coal accounts for approximately 33 per cent of Turkey’s electricity generation, making it the country’s largest individual electricity source. Solar and wind energy contribute nearly 23 per cent combined.
Turkey is also targeting a significant expansion of electric vehicle adoption. According to Bayraktar, the number of electric cars on the country’s roads is expected to increase from approximately 500,000 to 20 million within the next 13 years.
The government believes these changes will support its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2053.
$500 Billion Investment Required
Despite the ambitious targets, implementing the proposed energy transformation will require substantial financial resources.
Bayraktar estimated that approximately $500 billion in investment would be needed over the next 13 years to achieve the country’s energy objectives.
Of this amount, around $210 billion is expected to come from Turkish public-sector companies, while the remaining funding will largely depend on foreign investment and other financial contributions.
The minister stressed that achieving global carbon neutrality would require countries, investors and institutions to take greater responsibility for financing climate initiatives.
He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the transition away from coal does not negatively affect workers and communities whose livelihoods depend on the coal industry.
According to Bayraktar, coal mining provides employment opportunities for approximately 30,000 to 40,000 people in Turkey.
He argued that the transition must be carefully managed to protect affected workers while creating opportunities in emerging industries.
Natural Gas and Nuclear Energy Remain Important
Although Turkey intends to reduce its reliance on coal, the country is not planning an immediate withdrawal from all fossil fuels.
Bayraktar maintained that coal would continue to play a role in ensuring energy security during the transition.
Natural gas is also expected to remain an important part of the country’s energy mix. Turkey plans to increase its domestic natural gas production from Black Sea reserves to approximately 7.5 billion cubic metres annually.
Nuclear energy is another major component of the government’s long-term strategy.
The Akkuyu nuclear power plant, located along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, is approaching operation, while authorities are considering plans for another nuclear facility near the Black Sea.
These projects are expected to strengthen domestic electricity production and reduce Turkey’s dependence on imported energy.
COP31 Places Turkey’s Climate Policies Under Spotlight
Turkey’s preparations to host COP31 have increased international scrutiny of its environmental policies and energy priorities.
While the government is presenting its National Energy Plan 2040 as a major step towards cleaner energy, concerns remain about the country’s continued dependence on coal and other fossil fuels.
Climate Action Tracker has described Turkey’s existing climate targets and policies as critically insufficient when assessed against the objectives of the Paris Agreement.
As the COP31 summit approaches, Bayraktar has called for realistic and responsive climate policies that recognise the financial and economic challenges facing countries pursuing carbon neutrality.
Turkey’s proposed energy transformation could become an important part of discussions at the summit, particularly regarding renewable energy investment, energy security and the need for a fair transition for workers in traditional energy industries.
The success of the plan will ultimately depend on sustained investment, effective implementation and the government’s ability to balance economic development with its environmental commitments.
Swifteradio.com
