The launch of the inaugural offshore wind tender in Türkiye is significant, and could ‘reshape its power-generation mix, unlock vast investments, and accelerate its clean-energy trajectory’, GlobalData has said.
GlobalData was commenting after Türkiye issued a draft specification for a 1GW offshore wind YEKA tender, which includes long-term licensing, construction deadlines following approvals and a proposed electricity price range of $0.07 to $0.11 per kWh.
The country’s government has identified four potential offshore wind zones – Saros Bay, Gökçeada, Bozcaada and Edremit – and is targeting 5GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035, as part for larger renewable energy strategy targeting 120GW of combined solar and wind capacity by the same deadline.
‘A watershed moment’
“Türkiye’s launch of its first offshore wind YEKA tender is a watershed moment,” commented Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, power analyst at GlobalData. “It signals a shift beyond onshore renewables.
“If planned well, with clear rules and timely permitting, it could mobilise investment, deliver clean, firm power, and help the country reduce its dependence on thermal generation.”
Energy mix
Despite the announcement, GlobalData forecasts that it will take some time before offshore wind enters Türkiye’s energy capacity mix, with 2032 a likely commencement date. It expects around 1.3GW of offshore wind capacity to be operational by 2035, producing around 2.7TWh of electricity – leaving the country below its 5GW target.
According to GlobalData, this shortfall is likely to arise due to several factors. Permitting and regulatory processes will require environmental reviews, seabed licensing and compliance with marine regulations, while key infrastructure, including grid connections, subsea cables and landing stations, will also require significant planning and investment.
Elsewhere, inflation, fluctuations in currency, and supply chain disruptions are likely to increase the cost and risk of projects.
“To close this gap and help projects reach their full potential, several measures are critical,” Saibasan added. “Streamlining permits by defining clear approval pathways and setting firm timelines can reduce delays. Coordinating grid infrastructure and port facilities in advance, such as agreeing on connection sites, rights of way for cables, and ensuring grid reinforcement, will remove major hurdles. Financial certainty should be bolstered through mechanisms that protect against inflation and currency risk, as well as incentives for using local components.” Read more here.
