Trystan Casey
Turkey is Europe's sixth-largest electricity market and the 14th largest in the world. The country's electricity is provided by a mix of coal, gas, hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass power plants. The largest electric power company in Turkey is the government-owned Electricity Generation Company (EÜAŞ), which owns almost a fifth of the country's total generating capacity. Turkey's transmission lines connect to 21 distribution grids operated by private companies, with distribution system operators (DSOs) and electric distribution companies (DISCOs) working to increase grid efficiency. Setting up utilities in Turkey is a straightforward process, with electricity bills typically delivered to mailboxes or left on electric meters, and payments made at the post office or banks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity usage per person | More than the global average, but less than the European average |
| Peak demand time | Summer due to air conditioning |
| Sources of electricity | Coal, gas, hydropower, solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, nuclear |
| Electricity generation capacity | 105 GW |
| Share of renewable energy | 56% |
| Electricity prices | State-controlled |
| Electricity providers | EÜAŞ (largest), private companies |
| Voltage | 220 volts |
| Frequency | 50 Hertz |
| Plug type | Two-pronged, round/cylindrical |
| Payment methods | Bank, post office, automatic deduction |
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What You'll Learn
- Turkey's electricity market is the 6th-largest in Europe and 14th in the world
- The country's largest electricity company is the state-owned EÜAŞ
- Electricity in Turkey is primarily generated through coal, gas, and hydropower
- Solar and wind power are the cheapest generators of electricity in Turkey
- Electrical utilities in Turkey are paid for at the post office or at banks
Turkey's electricity market is the 6th-largest in Europe and 14th in the world
Turkey's electricity market is semi-liberalised and moderately regulated. Energy Exchange Istanbul (EXIST) is the country's electricity spot market, managing day-ahead and intraday markets where 40% of electricity is traded among 854 market participants. The market is also influenced by the state-owned Electricity Generation Company (EÜAŞ), which holds about 20% of the market share, and private companies such as Enerjisa, Cengiz, Eren, Limak, and Çelikler.
The country's electricity generation mix includes natural gas, coal, hydropower, and wind. In 2021, natural gas accounted for 42% of the generation, coal for 26%, hydropower for 13%, and wind for 10%. Turkey has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for 32% by 2030, with capacity targets for hydropower, wind, solar, and biomass. The country also plans to increase its hydrogen electrolysis installed capacity, with goals set for 2030, 2035, and 2053.
Turkey's unique geographical position in the Middle East and Southeast Europe gives it an advantage for solar energy. In 2020, the country ranked 8th in Europe for solar power generation, with almost 8 GW contributing about 4% of its electricity. The potential for solar power in Turkey is high, especially in the south-east and Mediterranean provinces, with conditions comparable to Spain.
Turkey's electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure is also noteworthy. The national electric transmission company, TEIAS, operates approximately 1.5 million Km of medium to high-voltage transmission power lines. Additionally, 21 distribution grid companies manage about 71,000 Km of distribution lines, aiming to increase efficiency by replacing old transformers or lines and installing smart grid systems.
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The country's largest electricity company is the state-owned EÜAŞ
As of 2019, EÜAŞ owns almost a fifth of Turkey's total generating capacity, including coal, gas, hydro, and wind power stations. The company also owns most of the country's lignite reserves, which are located in seven coalfields, including the largest one in Elbistan. In addition, EÜAŞ owns the old Can-1 and Afşin-Elbistan B power stations and purchases electricity from private sector lignite-fired plants.
EÜAŞ plays a significant role in the country's energy sector and has the authority to set a soft cap on electricity spot prices. However, the prices to end consumers are regulated by the government. The company has faced financial challenges, with a reported loss of 1.8 billion lira in 2018.
Turkey has the sixth-largest electricity market in Europe and the 14th largest globally. The country has an electric power generation capacity of approximately 105 GW, with renewable energy sources contributing about 56% of this capacity. Turkey's renewable energy sources include hydroelectric, wind, solar, geothermal, and biomass power plants. The development and utilization of renewable energy sources are encouraged through various incentives, such as feed-in tariffs and customs duty exemptions for solar and wind energy investments.
The transmission lines in Turkey are managed by the national electric transmission company, TEIAS, which operates approximately 1.5 million kilometres of medium to high-voltage electric transmission power lines across the country. These transmission lines connect to 21 distribution grids operated by private companies, covering approximately 71,000 kilometres of distribution lines.
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Electricity in Turkey is primarily generated through coal, gas, and hydropower
Turkey's electricity is primarily generated through coal, gas, and hydropower. The country has an electric power generation capacity of approximately 105 GW, making it Europe's sixth-largest electricity market and the 14th largest in the world.
Turkey's coal-fired power stations are the largest source of the country's greenhouse gas emissions, with about a tonne of emissions per person each year, which is around the world average. In 2023, coal imports for electricity generation cost 3.7 billion USD. Coal power plants are also a significant cause of air pollution, and it is estimated that phasing out coal by 2030 would save over 100,000 lives. However, the use of coal is still supported by government policy.
Natural gas is another significant source of electricity in Turkey, with gas-fired power plants being utilised more during droughts that reduce hydropower. Gas imports for power stations are one of the country's main expenses, and electricity generation can be vulnerable to reductions in the gas supply during winter.
Hydropower is a critical source of electricity in Turkey, with hydroelectricity generated in the east being transmitted to big cities in the west. Turkey's mountainous terrain makes it a suitable source of power.
In addition to these primary sources, Turkey also has renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass power plants, which make up about 56% of the country's electric power generation capacity. Solar power, in particular, has high potential in Turkey, especially in the southeast and Mediterranean provinces. The country ranked 8th in Europe for solar power in 2020. Turkey also has nuclear power plant projects in the works, with the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project being built by Rosatom of Russia, expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
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Solar and wind power are the cheapest generators of electricity in Turkey
Turkey has a semi-liberalised and moderately regulated electricity market. The state controls electricity prices, but wholesale prices are heavily influenced by the cost of imported gas. Turkey's electricity generation capacity is approximately 105 GW, making it the sixth-largest electricity market in Europe and the 14th largest in the world.
Turkey's electricity is primarily generated from coal, gas, and hydropower. However, solar and wind power are now the cheapest generators of electricity, and more infrastructure for both is being built. In 2020, Carbon Tracker modelled that new solar power became cheaper than new coal power, and by 2023, it will be cheaper than existing coal plants. Similarly, building new wind farms is cheaper than running existing coal plants, and by 2027, new wind will be cheaper than all existing coal plants.
Turkey is in a favourable position in the Middle East and Southeast Europe for solar energy, with conditions comparable to Spain. In 2020, Turkey ranked 8th in Europe for solar power, and solar power generated about 4% of the country's electricity. However, solar power could be developed much faster if subsidies for coal were abolished and the auction system improved. Every gigawatt of solar power installed would save over $100 million in gas import costs.
Turkey's wind power generated about 10% of the country's electricity in 2022, mainly in the west in the Aegean and Marmara regions. The highest-ever daily share of wind power was 25% in 2022. Turkey is a net exporter of wind power equipment.
Together, solar and wind power could supply much more energy in Turkey. According to a 2022 simulation by Shura, wind and nuclear could provide baseload, and solar much of the daytime demand, reserving dammed hydro for evening flexibility. By 2035, renewables are expected to supply almost a quarter of the nation's energy.
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Electrical utilities in Turkey are paid for at the post office or at banks
In Turkey, electricity is supplied by TEDAŞ, a government monopoly. When signing up for electrical services, customers must choose an amount of electricity (in watts) to purchase. Electrical utilities in Turkey are typically paid for at the PTT (post office) or at any bank listed on the back of the bills. Bills are usually left in a mailbox or affixed to the electric meter. Alternatively, customers can pay their bills by having them automatically deducted from their bank accounts.
Electricity tariffs in Turkey are lower than in most European countries. However, due to the hot climate in Turkish apartments during the summer, air conditioning systems operate almost constantly, accounting for a large portion of electricity consumption. To save money, residents purchase less energy-intensive appliances, energy-saving light sources, and use washing machines at night. The cost of electricity depends on the intensity of use, with lower consumption resulting in lower tariffs.
In addition to the amount of energy used, electricity bills in Turkey include various taxes. Late payment may result in the termination of utility services and the accrual of penalties and fines. Therefore, it is recommended to pay bills in advance to avoid late payment charges.
Setting up utilities in Turkey requires obtaining a Building Use Authorization Document, which certifies that the owner has the right to alter the property. This document should be provided by the previous owner without any fees. After obtaining this document, individuals can connect their utilities by visiting local distributing companies for electric and natural gas services.
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Frequently asked questions
The largest electricity company in Turkey is the government-owned Electricity Generation Company (Turkish: Elektrik Üretim A.Ş.; EÜAŞ). It owns almost a fifth of Turkey's total generating capacity, including coal, gas, hydro and wind power stations.
Setting up utilities in Turkey is fairly convenient. Ensure you have all the required documents readily available. If you are renting, the landlord will often keep the utilities in their name, but you can ask the utilities company to take a meter reading so you are not billed for previous usage.
Your electricity bill will be delivered to your mailbox or affixed to your electric meter. You can pay these bills at the post office, at any bank listed on the back of the bill, or by setting up automatic payments from your bank account.
Turkish electrical power outlets are 220 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hertz. They use a two-pronged plug with round (cylindrical) prongs. If you have a multi-voltage appliance, you can purchase a plug adapter from an electrical shop.
