Türkiye is entering a new phase of its energy transition with the launch of its first major offshore YEKA tender, a move that could reshape the country’s power-generation mix and accelerate its shift toward clean energy.
According to GlobalData, offshore wind could become a cornerstone of Türkiye’s renewable energy development, provided the effort is backed by sound policy, strong incentives, and disciplined execution.
GlobalData’s report shows that Türkiye’s broader renewable strategy targets 120GW of combined solar and wind capacity by 2035, with offshore wind included as part of that goal.
Still, offshore wind is not expected to enter the country’s generation mix until 2032, and by 2035 only about 1.3GW of capacity is projected to be operational, generating roughly 2.7TWh of power, well short of the government’s 5GW ambition.
Four candidate zones for offshore development have been identified: Saros Bay, Gökçeada, Bozcaada, and Edremit.
A draft specification has already been released for a 1GW offshore wind YEKA tender, outlining long-term licensing terms, construction deadlines tied to approvals, and a price range of US$0.07 to US$0.11 per kWh.
Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, Power Analyst at GlobalData, said the tender marks a significant turning point for the country’s energy sector.
“Türkiye’s launch of its first offshore wind YEKA tender is a watershed moment,” said Saibasan.
The wide gap between the government’s target and the likely outcome stems from several compounding challenges.
Permitting and regulatory processes remain complex, requiring environmental reviews, seabed licensing, and coordination across multiple marine regulatory agencies.
Infrastructure needs, including grid connections, subsea cables, and landing stations, demand early planning and heavy investment to avoid future bottlenecks.
Financial pressures such as inflation, currency volatility, and supply chain disruptions add further cost and risk, while technical and environmental factors, from variable seabed conditions to ecological sensitivities, could also slow development.
To close the gap between ambition and delivery, Saibasan pointed to several measures that could help projects move forward, including clearer approval pathways, firmer permitting timelines, and advanced coordination of grid and port infrastructure.
He also emphasised the importance of financial safeguards against inflation and currency risk, along with incentives for local content, transparent auction terms, and phased or pilot projects to build early momentum and investor confidence.
The tender is expected to open meaningful opportunities for developers, turbine manufacturers, EPC firms, and investors entering what remains a nascent segment of Türkiye’s renewables sector.
Backed by the country’s 2035 clean energy goals, the offshore YEKA tenders could offer early movers an advantage in securing premium zones, shaping local content norms, and exploring hybrid asset models, with additional value potentially coming from ancillary services, corporate power purchasing, and export opportunities.
Summing up the stakes, Saibasan said the coming tender process would be a defining test for the industry.
“For incumbents and newcomers alike, Türkiye’s offshore wind YEKA tender will test the gap between ambition and delivery.”
He added that success will depend on transparent auction design, expedited environmental and marine permitting, and grid infrastructure capable of scaling with demand, factors that together will determine whether offshore wind becomes a lasting pillar of Türkiye’s clean energy future.
