Türkiye's decision to make electrification a key priority at the 31st UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) comes at a critical time amid global energy challenges, according to the CEO of WindEurope.
Speaking to Anadolu at WindEurope Hamburg, Tinne Van der Straeten discussed Türkiye's COP31 presidency, Europe's wind energy investments, Türkiye's role in global wind supply chain and the development of offshore wind power.
She said Türkiye's emphasis on electrification at COP31 comes at a particularly important moment as countries face global energy challenges.
"Türkiye can bring together the missing links in energy transition at COP31," Van der Straeten said.
- Europe expects record 24 GW wind capacity addition
Europe is expected to install a record 24 gigawatts (GW) of new wind capacity by the end of the year, Van der Straeten said.
The additional capacity could generate enough electricity to meet the needs of about 20 million households, she said.
It is also equivalent to the energy that around 64 liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers carry annually to Europe, she said.
Wind energy growth depends not only on new installations but also on completing permitting procedures, securing grid connections and increasing electricity demand, Van der Straeten said.
"Any focus on how we can increase electricity demand is really important. The more electricity we use, the less dependent we are on imported fossil fuels," she added.
She said the next phase of the energy transition should focus more on demand from households, businesses and industry, following global targets to triple renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency improvements and move away from fossil fuels.
- Türkiye among Europe's leading wind markets
Türkiye is one of Europe's leading markets for wind power installations and is an increasingly important part of the continent's wind energy supply chain, Van der Straeten said.
"Türkiye is an important market after Germany. Much more wind electricity will be generated in Türkiye," she said, adding that bringing both the supply and demand sides into the discussion can have a double impact.
Türkiye has also become a major supply chain hub for Europe, with several leading global turbine manufacturers operating production facilities in the country, she said.
The wind industry employs about 480,000 people across Europe, she said, adding that Türkiye's growing role in the supply chain contributes to Europe's economic and energy resilience.
- 'Türkiye's entry into offshore wind can help scale up Europe's capacity'
Van der Straeten said the European wind industry is closely following details of Türkiye's planned offshore wind energy tenders.
She said Türkiye's ambitions for offshore wind development are helping build confidence in the market.
"Everyone is following this. It also shows that everyone believes in Türkiye. The steps Türkiye takes in offshore wind are important," she said.
Europe also has major offshore wind ambitions, particularly in the North Sea, she said. Poland is emerging as a leader in the Baltic Sea, she added.
"If Türkiye now enters the offshore wind market, we can really scale up offshore wind across Europe," Van der Straeten said.
She also pointed to rising global energy prices amid geopolitical developments and the approaching winter as further reasons to accelerate electrification.
"Electricity needs to become the cheapest option. Making electricity truly accessible and affordable should be a key priority for policymakers," she said.
Van der Straeten said governments should support households in installing heat pumps ahead of winter and encourage energy efficiency investments in buildings.
By Gulsen Cagatay in Hamburg
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
