Due to its position, Turkey has made serious and significant breakthroughs in sustainable energy in recent years. Energy supply and security became one of the important agenda items after the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel's attacks on Gaza. States that do not have fossil fuel resources are increasingly focusing on alternative energy. Assoc. Prof. Hakan Yildirim, Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of Economics and Finance, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), and Ahmet Emre Cengiz, Businessman operating in the energy and lighting sector, evaluated Turkey's energy future and stated that Turkey's solar energy installed power was targeted to increase by 500 percent by 2035.
“It is also a critical element in terms of environmental sustainability and economic stability”
At a time when energy needs are growing rapidly, Turkey has discovered the unlimited potential of solar energy. Businessman Ahmet Emre Cengiz emphasized that solar energy plays an important role in reducing Turkey's energy dependency and building its economy on a sustainable basis, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Yildirim stated that solar energy has a strategic importance for the economy. Cengiz said, "While the concern about the depletion of fossil fuels is increasing worldwide, it is of great importance for Turkey to focus on energy transformation in this period. Energy transformation is a critical element not only in terms of energy security, but also in terms of environmental sustainability and economic stability. According to Ernst and Young's Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index, Turkey ranked 27th in attracting renewable energy investments. By increasing its place in this index, Turkey has once again proven its commitment to sustainable energy. It is also important that Germany ranks second, surpassing China. Turkey can play an active role in the global arena by supporting solar energy projects."
"The rise of Turkey makes our country attractive for international investors"
Stating that the effects of the increase in energy imports in Turkey on the economy are very important, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakan Yildirim said, "The increase in energy demand after the pandemic reveals our energy dependence, especially based on imports. At this point, the orientation towards sustainable energy sources is a critical step in terms of economic growth and energy supply security. Solar energy plays a central role in this strategy, both in terms of reducing environmental impacts and providing an energy production based on local resources. Energy transformation will have positive effects on the economy. The rise of Turkey, which is reflected in Ernst and Young's index, makes our country attractive for international investors. This encourages the rise of domestic and foreign capital to sustainable energy projects. In addition, supporting solar energy projects is an important development in terms of increasing Turkey's effectiveness in the global energy map."
“Roof and facade applied solar energy investments will play an important role”
It is aimed to increase Turkey's solar energy installed power by 500 percent by 2035. Stating that the increase in solar energy capacity will support energy independence and economic growth, Ahmet Emre Cengiz said, "Roof and facade applied solar energy investments will play an important role. At the same time, large-scale solar power plants will become widespread across the country. Thus, all the blessings of the sun will be utilized in the best way in energy production. Turkey's energy supply security lies in renewable energy sources. "Assoc. Prof. Hakan Yildirim, who evaluated it in terms of economy, said," Turkey's reaching its targets in solar energy capacity can support economic growth. Investments in energy projects, both locally and internationally, will be an important step in terms of job creation as well as energy supply security. Its positive effects on the economy may become more evident, especially with the decrease in energy imports and the increase in the orientation to domestic resources."