Türkiye Targets First Offshore Wind Tender as 2026 Set to Be 'Year of Wind'

Why It Matters

Scaling offshore wind diversifies Turkey's energy mix, cuts dependence on imported fuels and accelerates climate goals, while the transmission investment secures grid readiness for rapid renewable growth.

Key Takeaways

• Türkiye to launch first offshore wind YEKA tender after permits
• Four sites identified: Saros Bay, Gökçeada, Bozcaada, Edremit
• Targeting 5 GW offshore capacity by 2035
• 1.5 GW wind allocation planned for 2026 YEKA tenders
• $30 billion transmission investment slated through 2035

Pulse Analysis

Turkey is accelerating its renewable agenda at a time when offshore wind projects are reshaping global energy markets. By securing permits for four strategic sites along the Aegean coast, the country aligns with European peers that have already tapped deep‑water wind resources. The 5 GW offshore target by 2035 represents a tenfold increase from today’s modest capacity and signals to developers that Turkey is ready to host large‑scale, long‑term projects backed by state‑level guarantees.

The upcoming YEKA tender will be the first to invite private investors to bid on these offshore parcels, offering a clear pathway to the 1.5 GW wind allocation earmarked for 2026. This move is expected to draw interest from European and Asian turbine manufacturers seeking to expand into the Mediterranean basin. The tender’s design, which bundles site rights with long‑term power purchase agreements, reduces market risk and could drive competitive pricing, potentially lowering the levelized cost of electricity for Turkish consumers.

Beyond the turbines, Turkey’s $30 billion transmission plan underscores the importance of grid integration for renewable scaling. Upgrading interconnectors and building offshore substations will mitigate curtailment and enable cross‑border electricity trade, enhancing regional energy security. Together, the offshore wind push and transmission investment position Turkey as a burgeoning hub for clean power, offering investors a diversified portfolio and supporting the nation’s broader goal of 120 GW of wind‑solar capacity by 2035.