In 2016, Turkey launched auctions for Renewable Energy Resource Zones (YEKA) to develop large-scale solar and wind projects while simplifying land allocation and promoting domestic production of renewable energy equipment. Although the YEKA initiative represents a significant step toward achieving the country’s renewable energy goals, its implementation has faced several challenges, according to EMBER.
The first YEKA auction was held in 2017, awarding 1 GW of solar capacity. By the end of 2024, a total of 5.8 GW had been allocated—3 GW of solar and 2.8 GW of wind capacity. In early 2025, the latest auctions added 800 MW of solar and 1.2 GW of wind capacity, bringing the total awarded capacity to 7.8 GW.
As part of the Renewable Energy Roadmap, Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR) has set an ambitious target for 2035, aiming to allocate 2 GW of capacity annually through YEKA auctions. Additionally, by the end of 2025, another 2 GW of capacity is expected to be implemented.
Furthermore, Turkey has increased its wind and solar capacity targets by 45 percent in the National Energy Plan, aiming to nearly triple its current capacity from 32 GW to 120 GW by 2035. If MENR meets its goal of 1 GW annually for solar and wind projects through YEKA auctions, these projects would contribute only one-fifth of the required solar capacity and one-third of the wind energy targets. This shortfall has led to the new target of 2 GW per year.
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Challenges in Implementation
While YEKA auctions have provided a solid framework, project implementation has encountered several difficulties. As of February 2025, only about one-quarter of the awarded capacity has been put into operation. YEKA projects have contributed just 9 percent to Turkey’s installed solar capacity and 5 percent to wind energy. If all awarded capacities had been operational, growth rates would have reached 18 percent for solar and an impressive 47 percent for wind power.
A major obstacle in project execution has been excessive bureaucracy in the permitting process, with delays in obtaining necessary approvals. Securing technical permits, land use licenses, environmental impact assessments, and construction approvals can take years.
Another challenge stems from YEKA’s local content requirements, which mandate a portion of renewable energy equipment to be manufactured in Turkey rather than imported. While this policy supports domestic production, the limited number of factories capable of meeting these requirements has forced investors to rely on a small pool of suppliers, driving up costs and straining supply chains.
Reforms to Address Challenges
To address these challenges, Turkey amended YEKA regulations at the end of 2024. Key changes include exemptions from energy transmission fees, MENR support in obtaining permits, and the introduction of a „super permit” initiative, which reduces the permitting process from four years to less than two years.
Additionally, Turkey has significant potential for floating solar panels, which could provide up to 53 GW of energy. Regulatory changes in May 2024 now allow renewable energy facilities to be developed on offshore locations, reservoirs, and lakes, eliminating the need for urban planning approval. These areas can be designated as YEKA zones and allocated for projects.
By leveraging these opportunities and overcoming previous obstacles, Turkey can accelerate renewable energy deployment by streamlining bureaucratic processes, shortening permit approval times, and providing flexible options for electricity sales. The 2025 YEKA auctions will be a critical test for these reforms and could shape the future of Turkey’s renewable energy market.
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