World Bank Pledges Continued Support for Türkiye's Energy Transition

The World Bank has affirmed its continued financial backing for Türkiye's clean energy transformation, with additional projects in development following this week's $750 million loan agreement to modernize the nation's electricity grid. World Bank Country Director Humberto Lopez made the announcement during the 11th Energy Efficiency Forum and Exhibition in Istanbul, revealing that further discussions with Türkiye's Energy Ministry are scheduled for the coming weeks.

Lopez emphasized that robust transmission infrastructure forms the foundation of Türkiye's renewable energy ambitions. "Türkiye has one of the most ambitious plans for renewables, and this transition requires transmission," he stated, explaining that investors need assurance of grid connectivity before committing to new solar or wind projects. The initial $750 million operation represents the first phase of a broader $1.5 billion financing package designed to expand grid capacity and accelerate renewable integration.

The current initiative, known as the Transforming Power Transmission System Project, marks the beginning of a comprehensive partnership that Lopez estimates will exceed $20 billion in public sector investments across multiple phases. "We are starting now. We expect that this operation will be fully completed in four or five years," he noted, adding that feasibility studies for Türkiye's first high-voltage direct current transmission line are included in the project scope. This infrastructure will also enhance regional energy connectivity with neighboring countries.

Türkiye's energy strategy aims to dramatically increase its solar and wind capacity to 120 gigawatts by 2035, an objective that government projections indicate will require approximately $28 billion in transmission investments alone. The World Bank's sustained engagement signals international confidence in Türkiye's energy transition roadmap and its potential to establish the country as a regional clean energy leader.