By Karim Hammam
Turkey is highlighting its renewable energy growth as it prepares to host the United Nations climate summit, COP31, in Antalya from November 9 to 20. However, the country's continued heavy reliance on coal and other fossil fuels underscores the gap between its clean energy ambitions and current emissions trajectory.
Massive Solar Farm in Konya
The Kalyon Karapınar YEKA-1 Solar Power Plant in the central province of Konya spans an area equivalent to 2,600 soccer fields and operates more than 3 million panels. Since becoming operational in 2023, the plant generates enough electricity to meet about 0.7% of Turkey's annual power demand and prevents roughly 1.75 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year, according to plant director Burak Dogru.
Coal Remains Dominant Power Source
Despite solar and wind accounting for nearly 23% of electricity generation, coal remained the largest single source at 33% last year, the Energy Ministry said. Turkey's total greenhouse gas emissions reached 584.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2024, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute.
Critics Highlight Lack of Phase-Out Plan
Campaigners such as Duygu Kutluay of Beyond Fossil Fuels warn that Turkey's renewable energy targets lack a roadmap for phasing out coal, gas, or oil. She said this is incompatible with the government's pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2053. The Climate Action Tracker rates Turkey's climate policies as "critically insufficient" relative to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal.
Nuclear Power and Climate Commitments
Turkey is also pursuing nuclear energy to reduce import dependence, with its first plant under construction on the Mediterranean coast and additional reactors under consideration. Environment and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, who will preside over COP31, has said the summit should focus on implementing existing pledges rather than setting new targets, promoting a "climate implementation bridge" to connect countries with financing and technology.
Human Rights and Environmental Concerns
Human rights groups accuse Ankara of dismissing environmental concerns and arresting activists. A court recently annulled an environmental impact assessment for a planned coal plant expansion in Afsin-Elbistan, a victory for environmentalists, but new plans have emerged for another coal plant expansion in Canakkale.
Floods Underscore Climate Risks
Like other Mediterranean nations, Turkey faces increasing risks from heat waves, drought, wildfires, and flooding. Heavy rains last month, described as the heaviest in over 80 years, caused severe floods in Istanbul that killed eight people.
Hosting Compromise with Australia
Turkey was selected to host COP31 after a contest with Australia. As a compromise, Australia will lead agenda consultations and manage summit discussions. Climate advocates have criticized both countries — Turkey for its coal reliance and Australia for its coal exports — but UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell defended the choice, saying a host's fossil fuel status does not determine a summit's success.
