China and Turkey have signed a preliminary agreement covering $15 billion in renewable energy investment, including 7 GW of solar and wind capacity, energy storage and power transmission infrastructure.
China renewable energy investment in Turkey could reach $15 billion
Turkey and China have signed a preliminary agreement for approximately $15 billion in Chinese investment in solar and wind power projects across Turkey, with a combined generating capacity of 7,000 MW.
On the sidelines of the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey, energy officials from both countries signed a memorandum of understanding covering cooperation on renewable energy, energy storage and electricity transmission infrastructure. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced the agreement in a post on X.
Under the proposed $15 billion investment framework, the two countries aim to develop 7,000 MW of solar and wind power capacity, new energy storage systems and 4,000 MW of electricity transmission capacity.
Bayraktar said the agreement would also facilitate technology transfers, support domestic manufacturing of wind turbine components and make a significant contribution to Turkey’s industrial development.
Renewable energy expands, but coal remains Turkey’s largest power source
In 2025, 43% of Turkey’s electricity came from low-carbon sources, broadly in line with the global average.
Despite drought conditions and declining hydropower generation during the year, hydropower remained Turkey’s largest source of clean electricity, accounting for 16% of total generation. Wind and solar together supplied 22%, exceeding the global average of 17%.
However, coal remains Turkey’s largest source of electricity, accounting for 34% of total power generation. Nearly two-thirds of the country’s coal-fired electricity generation relies on imported coal, exposing Turkey to supply risks and raising concerns about energy security.
Turkey’s renewable energy ambitions clash with its climate commitments
Turkey aims to quadruple its installed wind and solar capacity to 120 GW by 2035.
Its strategy includes annual renewable energy auctions totaling 2 GW, approximately $108 billion in investment to expand generating capacity and modernize the electricity grid, and a target of adding at least 7.5 to 8 GW of new renewable capacity each year.
The country has also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2053. Yet its second nationally determined contribution (NDC), submitted in November 2025, sets a 2035 emissions ceiling of 643 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e).
That target would allow emissions to continue rising until 2038, leaving just 15 years to reach net zero by 2053, as highlighted by the climate think tank ECCO.
The discrepancy underscores the challenge facing Turkey as it seeks to expand renewable energy investment while maintaining an emissions trajectory that remains difficult to reconcile with its long-term climate ambitions.
Turkey faces mounting demand for energy and infrastructure investment
Turkey’s growing energy needs are driving demand for substantial infrastructure investment, but access to international financing remains a significant obstacle.
Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, will require approximately $100 billion in financing to support its green transition.
The funding would support climate adaptation and sustainability projects spanning renewable energy, metro networks, waste and wastewater treatment systems, green spaces and other critical infrastructure.
Nuri Aslan outlined the city’s financing requirements during a Bloomberg Green event held alongside the United Nations COP31 climate summit in Antalya.
