Türkiye's first 1 gigawatt (GW) offshore wind Renewable Energy Resource Zone (YEKA) project is expected to create an investment environment worth $3 billion, according to the head of the Turkish Wind Energy Association (TWEA).
Speaking to Anadolu on the sidelines of WindEnergy Hamburg, TWEA President Ibrahim Erden said around half of the $3 billion investment will be allocated to offshore wind turbines, while the remainder will cover costs such as electricity infrastructure, construction and logistics.
While offshore wind projects are costlier than onshore alternatives, Erden emphasized that they offer significantly higher efficiency.
"While the capacity factor for onshore wind is around 35%, it is between 45% and 50% for offshore wind. Despite the higher costs, more revenue can be generated," he noted, adding that initial high costs and technological requirements will naturally decline as the technology becomes more widespread.
With these preparations underway, Türkiye's first offshore wind tender is officially scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
Beyond energy generation, Erden stated that the offshore wind ecosystem would become a driving force for several other sectors once it becomes economically viable.
"Once the offshore wind ecosystem becomes economically viable, it will have a positive impact on other economies and sectors and serve as a catalyst," he stated.
In addition to wind energy, they will drive sectors including construction and electricity, as well as maritime transport, shipping, shipbuilding and the production of specialized equipment for offshore projects, he said.
He highlighted that Türkiye already possesses a well-established, trusted engineering capability, alongside years of successful construction and manufacturing experience in the onshore wind sector.
He said the offshore wind project has attracted interest from both domestic and international technology providers and investors.
"Among the countries showing interest are Germany and Denmark, which have been working on offshore wind in Europe, as well as China. Among potential financial investors, we can cite the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the Middle East," Erden said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources considers offshore wind one of the most strategic areas of Türkiye's new energy era.
Studies have shown that Türkiye has significant potential in offshore wind, and four separate areas have been identified in the Saros Gulf, off Gokceada, Bozcaada and Edremit.
The tender will mark a first for Türkiye's energy sector. The country has set a target of reaching 5 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2035.
By Gulsen Cagatay in Hamburg
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
