WindEurope CEO Tinne Van der Straeten congratulated Türkiye on adding more than 2 gigawatts (GW) of new wind power capacity last year, describing it as a “remarkable performance” that underscores the country’s accelerating growth in the renewable energy sector.
According to a WindEurope report, Türkiye ranked second in Europe in 2025 with 2,142 megawatts (MW) of newly installed wind capacity.
Across Europe, a total of 19.1 GW of new wind capacity was installed during the same period, with onshore projects accounting for 17.2 GW, or around 90% of the additions.
“Türkiye delivered a remarkable performance by commissioning over 2.1 GW of new capacity,” Van der Straeten told Anadolu.
"This level not only represents strong growth, but also marks the highest annual installation capacity Türkiye has ever achieved," Van der Straeten added.
- Stronger EU cooperation and industrial base
She underlined that the figures demonstrate Türkiye's growing momentum in renewable energy and strengthen its position as a reliable partner for the European Union (EU).
Van der Straeten emphasized that cooperation between the EU and Türkiye in the wind industry has created strong ties in technology, investment and supply chains.
Highlighting Türkiye's advanced domestic supply chain, she said the country's strong manufacturing base - including blade, tower and equipment production - directly contributes to local employment and industry.
"All these developments present a positive picture that strengthens Türkiye's growing role in wind energy at both regional and European levels," she said, adding that greater reliance on domestic renewable resources enhances energy security and supports a competitive and resilient energy system.
,- COP31 outlook and long-term energy transition
Van der Straeten also commented on Türkiye's prospective hosting of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
"I truly look forward to the COP31 presidency," she said, adding that Türkiye's wind performance increases confidence in the presidency process.
Recalling the landmark decisions taken at COP28 in Dubai, she said the agreement called for tripling global renewable energy capacity, doubling energy efficiency by 2030 and initiating a transition away from fossil fuels.
She added that WindEurope's recent study shows that even when grid and storage costs are included, a renewable-based energy system remains the most cost-effective option and could enable Europe to save more than €1.6 trillion by 2050 compared with a slower transition scenario.
Van der Straeten said that if Türkiye maintains its renewable energy targets and increases integration of renewables into its system, the Turkish economy - particularly citizens and industry - will reap the benefits.
By Gulsen Cagatay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
