Solar power now cheapest source of electricity in Türkiye: report

Solar power has officially become the cheapest source of electricity generation in Türkiye, according to new research from the London-based energy think tank Ember. A dramatic 77% decline in the cost of building solar power plants in recent years has positioned solar energy ahead of all other power sources, including wind and domestic coal.

Plummeting Costs Create Economic Advantage

The report, released Tuesday, details that the lifetime cost of producing electricity from solar has dropped by 69%. A new solar plant in Türkiye can now generate power for approximately $43 per megawatt-hour (MWh). This stands in stark contrast to the government's recent decision to grant $75/MWh price guarantees for domestic coal plants, making coal power 36% more expensive than the average generation price over the past year. Ember estimates these coal incentives could cost Türkiye $8.7 billion over the next four years.

Unlocking Türkiye's Renewable Potential

Ember suggests that redirecting funding toward grid upgrades and removing barriers for new solar projects could help the country achieve its ambitious 2035 goal of 120 gigawatts of renewable capacity. Ember analyst Caglar Celikoz stated that while Türkiye has made significant progress in solar energy, "there is still a long way to go before the country can fully realise its potential." The analysis highlights a critical crossroads for Turkish energy policy, balancing between costly support for legacy coal and investing in a cheaper, cleaner solar future.