TÜRKIYE

Türkiye has 688 megawatts (MW) of proposed coal capacity, which is an over 90% reduction in pre-construction capacity compared to just two years prior. 2020 marked a turning point for coal power, as numerous projects were cancelled. 3,190 MW was cancelled or presumed to be cancelled in 2024 alone. However, the country is one of just four in the OECD continuing to propose new coal capacity. Yet, intense organizing and large-scale public protests against coal have helped pressure the Turkish government to cancel many projects and pass a law strengthening emissions standards for older coal plants. Coal mine expansion in the Akbelen forest was approved and subsequently reversed in March 2024. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources outlined a plan that included a projection of 3.2 gigawatts (GW) of added coal capacity by 2035, and the Turkish government signed an energy agreement with the United Arab Emirates that includes the possibility of new coal proposals. While the country continues to rely on coal, many plants are running with low capacity factors and experience chronic breakdowns. In April 2023, Türkiye submitted an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), increasing their target from a 21% to a 41% emissions reduction by 2030. The country also targets a peak in emissions in 2038 and has a goal of zero emissions by 2053.