Türkiye is aiming to generate approximately 70 percent of its energy from renewable sources by 2040, according to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. He outlined the country’s ambitious plan during a ceremony marking the start of the 2026-2027 academic year at Ankara University on Tuesday.

Bayraktar emphasized the central role of renewable energy in Türkiye’s future energy strategy, highlighting solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal resources as key elements. He stressed that the development of these resources must be done in an environmentally responsible manner. The minister described the 70 percent target as both “very important and ambitious,” reflecting the country’s commitment to expanding its clean energy sector.

The initiative seeks to enhance Türkiye’s energy security by decreasing reliance on foreign energy supplies while also aligning with international climate goals. Bayraktar noted that a diversified energy mix will be essential to meet the country’s rising energy demand. To this end, Türkiye plans to invest $20 billion in energy efficiency projects from 2024 to 2030.

Bayraktar identified three critical challenges for the nation’s energy sector: addressing the growing energy demand, reducing dependence on imported energy, and fulfilling climate commitments. Meeting these goals will require a coordinated effort to expand renewable energy infrastructure and improve energy efficiency measures nationwide.

The minister’s remarks underscore Türkiye’s strategic approach to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability as it transitions toward a cleaner energy future.