The share of renewable energy sources in Turkey's electricity generation achieved a historic leap in May. According to data from the Energy Markets Operation Company (EPİAŞ), the ratio of renewable energy in total generation was recorded at 72.3 percent in that month. This rate stood out as the highest level in 26 years.
In the same period, the share of coal in electricity generation showed a notable decline. The share of coal fell to 17 percent in May, reaching its lowest level in 22 years.
Record set in instantaneous generation
Renewable energy sources also achieved a significant record on an hourly basis. On May 24 at 1:00 PM, the instantaneous share of renewable energy in generation reached 84 percent. This value surpassed the previous record of 83 percent set in April 2024.
Hydropower led the way
Hydroelectric power plants played a decisive role in this strong performance. Thanks to rainfall exceeding seasonal norms, hydropower generation increased by 58 percent compared to the same month last year.
Wind and solar power plants also demonstrated remarkable performance. These two sources covered approximately 23 percent of total electricity generation in May, surpassing coal-fired power plants for the second consecutive month.
Record generation in first five months of the year
According to data from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, a record level of electricity was generated from renewable energy sources in the first five months of the year (January-May). During this period, hydroelectric plants generated 46.4 billion kilowatt-hours, wind plants 18 billion kilowatt-hours, and solar plants 14.2 billion kilowatt-hours.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar previously stated that the total share of domestic resources in electricity generation reached 85 percent in May. Bayraktar emphasized that hydroelectric plants, which generated a record 11.71 billion kilowatt-hours, were the main driver of this success and that 43.1 percent of the country's energy needs were met by hydropower.
Goal to reduce foreign dependency
Ufuk Alparslan, Turkey and Caucasus Regional Director at energy think tank Ember, said in an assessment to Anadolu Agency that these record figures confirm that renewable energy has become a fundamental pillar in Turkey's electricity system.
Alparslan stated that increasing clean electricity generation directly contributes to reducing foreign dependency. Drawing attention to the importance of expanding the scope of the energy transition, Alparslan noted that full energy independence could be achieved by supporting investments in electric vehicles and railway systems in other sectors such as coal transportation, which accounts for one-third of the country's energy imports.
