The World Bank Group and Turkey's Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources have unveiled an offshore wind roadmap, marking a major step toward the country's goal of achieving 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035.
With Turkey's offshore technical wind resource estimated at 75 GW, the roadmap projects the potential for up to 7 GW of capacity by 2040.
However, given Turkey's deep waters, most offshore sites suitable for wind energy will require floating foundations and need careful planning to mitigate environmental and social impacts on sensitive marine areas, biodiversity, and local communities.
The roadmap presents two growth scenarios for Turkey's offshore wind sector. In a low-growth scenario, Turkey would achieve 3.5 GW of offshore capacity by 2040, generating 32,000 full-time-equivalent (FTE) job years and adding $4 billion to the economy by 2030 through supply chain activities.
The high-growth scenario projects the installation of 7 GW by 2040, supporting 110,000 FTE job years and contributing $16 billion in gross value added to the economy. Achieving either scenario will require regulatory action, beginning with smaller projects and scaling up over time.
To support these goals, the roadmap outlines 21 strategic recommendations, including establishing a long-term vision beyond 2035, setting up regulatory frameworks, creating a bankable power purchase agreement (PPA), and advancing health and safety standards.
Upgrading grid and port infrastructure and developing a domestic supply chain are also priorities, building on Turkey's established shipbuilding and maritime industries.
Sean Whittaker, Co-lead of the World Bank Offshore Wind Development Program, highlighted the roadmap's impact, stating, “The roadmap provides key recommendations to fully realize this new source of domestic renewable energy, including policy development and planning for a pipeline of bankable projects which carefully mitigate environmental and social impacts.”
