Energy transformation is not only key to economic growth, but also to combating climate change. Today, the transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewable energy sources has become a global necessity. Türkiye stands out as one of the countries taking strong steps in this transformation. So, what will be the impacts of Türkiye’s energy transformation on the country’s economy and the environment? In this article, we will examine Türkiye’s strategies for energy transformation, the benefits it provides, and its place in the global energy transformation in detail.
Contributions of Energy Transformation to Türkiye
Economic Growth
According to the report published by SHURA, the economic return that Türkiye will gain from the energy transformation will be twice the costs. In this way, the transition to carbon-free energy will not only contribute to the environment but also to Türkiye’s economic growth. Investments in the energy transformation will reduce energy imports in the long term, create employment, and strengthen the domestic economy through technology transfer.
The return on energy transformation will be twice its cost.
With the progress made in hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy, energy costs are falling and dependence on fossil fuels is also decreasing. According to SHURA’s data, Türkiye’s transformation based on solar and wind energy has the potential to reduce annual fossil fuel imports by 43%. This reduces the costs of externally dependent energy imports while also strengthening energy supply security.
Economic and Social Benefits of Renewable Energy
Growth in Employment
Energy transformation creates great opportunities not only in terms of the environment and economy but also in terms of society. The renewable energy sector creates new job opportunities and contributes to the revitalization of local economies. Approximately 6.8 million new jobs will be created in this process by 2053. Although there will be some job losses in fossil fuel-related sectors, the job opportunities that will open up in new energy technologies and clean energy sectors will more than compensate for these losses.
Approximately 6.8 million new jobs will be created in the energy transformation process by 2053.
Health, Environment, and Socioeconomic Well-being
The benefits of carbon-free energy transformation are not limited to the economy. With the reduction of air pollution and carbon emissions, there will also be great benefits in health and socioeconomic well-being. According to the report published by the Temiz Hava Hakkı Platformu, the number of deaths due to air pollution in 2022 approached 70 thousand in Türkiye. Air pollution can also cause serious health problems such as heart disease, respiratory problems, and cancer. This data shows how critical energy transformation is in terms of increasing social welfare.
Global Energy Transformation: Turkey's Position
Although developed countries drive the energy transformation on a global scale, each country is experiencing this process at different speeds. Rich countries are allocating large budgets to move away from fossil fuels; $1.3 trillion was invested in renewable energy in 2022, 90% of which went to rich countries. Developing countries are progressing more slowly due to financial constraints. Turkey has become one of the leading players in Europe by rapidly increasing its renewable energy capacity. This transformation contributes to Turkey's energy independence and allows it to take on a stronger role in the fight against climate change. Investments in renewable energy provide economic benefits to Turkey in the long term and support environmental sustainability.
Energy transformation is a global movement and developed countries have taken the lead in this movement. However, each country is progressing at different speeds in this transformation process. While rich countries allocate huge budgets to move away from fossil fuels, developing countries continue this transition at a slower pace. The pace of energy transformation in rich and developing countries varies.
Turkey is in a very advanced position in the energy transformation. The rapid increase in renewable energy capacity makes Turkey one of the leading energy transformation players in Europe. Within the scope of the 2035 targets, Turkey aims to reach 120 thousand MW of installed capacity in wind and solar energy, organize new tenders for 2 thousand MW every year and strengthen its grid infrastructure with a 40 thousand MW HVDC corridor. It also aims to increase energy supply security and strengthen energy independence by delivering Black Sea gas to 8 million households in 2026. This transformation will contribute to Turkey’s energy independence and enable it to take on a stronger role in the fight against climate change.
