Renewable Energy's Share in Electricity Generation Reaches 58%
· Anadolu Ajansı
In Turkey, the share of renewable energy in total electricity generation reached a record 58% in July, driven by contributions from solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants.
Historic Record in Solar and Wind Power
According to data from the Energy Markets Operation Corporation (EPİAŞ), electricity generation from solar power in Turkey reached 5.4 terawatt-hours in July, marking an all-time high. This surpassed the previous record of 4.9 terawatt-hours set in June, with solar's share in generation reaching 15.6%. Wind power plants accounted for 12% of generation, bringing the combined share of solar and wind to 27.6%. This performance allowed solar energy to outperform natural gas and coal-fired power plants for the third consecutive month.
Significant Leap in Hydroelectric Generation
EPİAŞ data shows that hydroelectric power plant generation increased by 60% compared to the same period last year, rising to 9 terawatt-hours. This figure represents the highest hydroelectric generation recorded for the month of July. Hydroelectricity's share in total generation was 26.3%, pushing the total share of all renewable sources in electricity generation up to 58% from 43% last year. Clean energy sources thus took the lead in meeting the high electricity demand during the summer months.
Fossil Fuels' Share Declines
With the increase in renewable sources, the share of natural gas power plants fell from 25% last year to 10%. This marks the lowest July level in the past 26 years. Imported coal-fired power plants accounted for 19% of generation, while domestic coal plants contributed 12.5%. According to Ember data, total electricity consumption stood at 34.4 terawatt-hours, driven by hot weather and increased air conditioner usage, nearing last year's level of 35.2 terawatt-hours.
Drought Risk and Capacity Needs
Evaluating the July generation figures, Ember Energy Analyst Çağlar Çeliköz issued the following warning:
"However, it is important to remember that this high performance of 58% in July was partly due to abundant rainfall benefiting hydroelectric power plants, and Turkey is under the influence of long-term drought."
Emphasizing the need to increase solar and wind capacity, Ember Energy Analyst Çağlar Çeliköz continued:
"Therefore, to compensate for potential declines in hydroelectricity, we must further enhance our strength in wind and solar energy through rooftop solar installations, storage-based power plants, and hybrid power plant applications."
Highlighting the goals of energy independence and security of supply, Ember Energy Analyst Çağlar Çeliköz concluded his assessment:
"Only through these measures can we permanently reduce our external dependence on energy and secure our supply security in the long term."