/LONDON, August 12, 2026, 11:00 BST, RENEWABLE MARKET WATCH™/ Türkiye is set to launch its first offshore wind tender in the first quarter of 2027, marking a major milestone for the country’s renewable energy sector. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasised that offshore wind is a top strategic priority for the government, with a clear target to install 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind capacity by 2035. This initiative positions Türkiye to accelerate the diversification of its energy mix, strengthen energy security, and unlock new opportunities for investment and industrial growth.
Four priority sites have been earmarked for offshore wind development: the Saros Gulf, the areas adjacent to Gökçeada and Bozcaada islands, and the offshore region near Edremit. These locations were selected based on extensive resource assessments, grid accessibility, and proximity to major demand centres, maximising the commercial and operational viability of future wind projects.
The Ministry of Energy has published a draft tender specification for the upcoming offshore Renewable Energy Resource Zone (YEKA) tender, inviting early engagement from prospective investors and industry stakeholders. This transparent approach aims to ensure bankability and attract high-quality bidders to the tender process.
Industry representatives, investors, and relevant organisations are encouraged to submit their feedback on the draft specification by August 17. The final tender documentation will be refined based on stakeholder input, ensuring that the process is competitive, transparent, and aligned with market needs. Minister Bayraktar highlighted that Türkiye intends to showcase its offshore wind ambitions on the global stage ahead of the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya this November.
Announcing the tender timeline in advance reinforces the country’s commitment to climate leadership and renewable energy investment. Türkiye plans to release detailed information about the first offshore wind YEKA project in the lead-up to COP31, to attract international investor attention and pursue strategic partnerships.
“The offshore YEKA tender will be formally announced in September, with the auction scheduled for the first quarter of 2027,” Bayraktar stated, underscoring the government’s readiness to advance the sector on a clear and ambitious timeline. “This tender represents a breakthrough for Türkiye’s energy sector. Our ambition is to achieve 5,000 MW of offshore wind capacity by 2035, significantly enhancing our renewable energy footprint and driving industrial innovation in the sector,” he said.
Bayraktar added, “Offshore wind is not only a new energy source for Türkiye; it is a strategic driver for national energy security, domestic industrial development, and the creation of highly skilled jobs. Our approach is to leverage offshore wind as a balanced, transformative force in our energy and industrial landscape.”
In recent years, Türkiye has accelerated its efforts to identify and assess offshore wind energy zones, with a particular focus on the resource-rich northwestern regions. These activities are part of a broader strategy to position the country as a competitive player in the global offshore wind market. While offshore wind farms require higher upfront investment and ongoing maintenance than onshore projects, they offer more consistent power generation, making them attractive for grid stability and long-term energy planning.
Established in 2016, the YEKA scheme was designed to streamline land allocation, accelerate the deployment of large-scale renewable projects, and stimulate domestic manufacturing of clean energy technologies, thereby increasing local content and supply chain resilience. Subsequent updates to the YEKA model have enhanced investor appeal by simplifying post-tender permitting processes and introducing financial incentives, including transmission fee exemptions. These reforms are intended to reduce project risk, improve bankability, and attract a broader pool of domestic and international capital.
To date, Türkiye has conducted YEKA tenders totalling 7,800 MW and is on track to allocate an additional 3,800 MW of capacity in 2024 and 2025 under the revised tender framework, reflecting sustained momentum and a robust pipeline of renewable energy projects.
Türkiye’s total installed power generation capacity now exceeds 125,000 MW, with renewables accounting for over 60%. Wind power capacity exceeds 15,000 MW, and solar installations exceed 26,000 MW, highlighting the country’s rapid energy transition and leadership in the region’s clean energy market.
Looking ahead, Türkiye plans to conduct at least 2,000 MW of YEKA tenders annually, with the strategic objective of raising the combined installed wind and solar capacity to 120,000 MW by 2035. This ambitious roadmap underscores the government’s commitment to scaling up renewables, attracting investment, and positioning Türkiye as a regional energy hub.
For more information and answers to your questions about offshore wind power in Turkey, and related content, you may read here: Türkiye Wind Power Market Outlook 2025 – 2034
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