Türkiye's Renewable Energy Resource Zone (YEKA) tenders on Tuesday attracted about $400 million in investment and allocated 650 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
Speaking after the YEKA GES-2025 tenders organized by the ministry, Bayraktar said eight separate tenders were conducted for a total capacity of 650 MW, drawing 77 bids in total.
Bayraktar noted that Türkiye continues to work on various methods and business models to tap its wind, solar, geothermal and other renewable energy potential.
"Türkiye has introduced different mechanisms to support self-consumption investments, particularly for industrialists, and to contribute to energy supply security through battery projects. Every year, we work to add new renewable capacity through tenders of at least 2,000 MW," he said.
The wind energy tenders scheduled for December will finalize the process, bringing the total newly awarded capacity to nearly 4,000 MW, he added.
"Once completed, these solar projects will meet the electricity needs of around 500,000 households. Together with other upcoming YEKA projects, we expect to prevent nearly 800,000 tons of carbon emissions," Bayraktar said.
- First tender held for floating solar power
Bayraktar said the YEKA projects will help cut natural gas imports, preventing more than $2 billion in import costs over their lifetime.
He noted that the tender model was recently updated to euro-cent payments, with floor prices set at 3.25 euro cents for solar and 3.50 euro cents for wind.
He said today's tenders will generate an average contribution fee of €156,500 per MW including VAT, totaling about €101 million, which will be transferred to YEKDEM to support the renewable energy mechanism.
Bayraktar also noted that for the first time, a tender was held for a floating solar power plant to be installed on a dam reservoir.
"The tender for a 35-MW floating solar plant on the Demirkopru Dam in Manisa was awarded today under the YEKA scheme," he said.
- Türkiye to host COP31
Recalling that Türkiye will host COP31 next year, Bayraktar said renewable energy projects are vital examples of the country's efforts to combat climate change.
"I hope our COP31 presidency will be beneficial. We expect to meet again, likely on Dec. 11, for the 1,150-MW wind YEKA tenders. I wish today's tenders to be beneficial for our country, our people and our investors." he concluded.
By Humeyra Ayaz
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
