Leveraging Scandinavian expertise: How Turkiye can enhance its renewable energy transition

Türkiye stands at a critical juncture in its renewable energy journey, seeking to accelerate its shift away from fossil fuels and bolster its energy independence. As the world races to mitigate climate change, the country has an opportunity to leverage the pioneering expertise of its Scandinavian counterparts – Denmark, Sweden, and Norway – to elevate its renewable energy capacity and secure a sustainable energy future.

Renewable energy now accounts for 52% of Türkiye’s electricity generation, a remarkable achievement. The country boasts abundant natural resources, including excellent solar potential in Central Anatolia, strong wind energy opportunities along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts, and substantial hydropower resources in the Black Sea region. However, Türkiye still faces several challenges in scaling up its renewable energy sector, including the need for advanced technology, investment, and grid modernization.

This is where the Scandinavian countries can play a transformative role. As global leaders in renewable energy innovation, these nations offer unique solutions and valuable expertise that can significantly benefit Türkiye’s energy transition.

Scandinavian Energy Policy Models

Denmark generates nearly 50% of its electricity from wind energy and is a world leader in offshore wind technology. In 2021, the country inaugurated the largest offshore wind farm, Horns Rev 3, capable of producing 406 MW – enough to power 425,000 households. Norway, on the other hand, is the largest producer of hydropower in Europe, with over 98% of its electricity coming from renewable sources. The country’s expertise in managing large-scale hydropower systems could greatly enhance Türkiye’s hydropower projects in the Black Sea region.

Sweden, meanwhile, is at the forefront of solar energy innovation and energy storage technologies, making strides toward its goal of becoming 100% powered by renewables by 2040. Its smart grid technologies and battery storage innovations are highly relevant to Türkiye’s grid modernization efforts.

These Scandinavian countries have also developed robust policy frameworks and successful public-private partnerships that could assist Türkiye in scaling its renewable capacity. Existing agreements between Türkiye and Scandinavia, such as the 2020 partnership between Türkiye and Sweden on clean energy technologies and energy efficiency, and the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between Türkiye and Denmark on wind energy and energy market integration, provide a strong foundation for further collaboration.

Technological Innovations from Scandinavia

Scandinavian scientific research institutions are at the forefront of renewable energy innovation. For example, Henrik Stiesdal, a Danish inventor and engineer, is considered one of the pioneers of modern wind turbine technology. His work at Siemens Gamesa revolutionized the design of wind turbines, contributing to Denmark’s dominance in wind energy. Türkiye could benefit from joint research initiatives with Scandinavian universities and scientists to advance technologies such as floating offshore wind turbines and energy storage systems.

Potential Collaborations

Knowledge Sharing Initiatives

Türkiye’s cooperation with Scandinavian countries in renewable energy presents a strategic opportunity for both regions. By leveraging Scandinavian expertise in wind, solar, and hydropower technologies, Türkiye can accelerate its renewable energy transition and strengthen its energy independence. Bilateral agreements already in place provide a foundation for deeper collaboration, and specific joint projects in regions like the Aegean, Central Anatolia, and the Black Sea can lead to significant renewable energy gains.

Joint Research and Development

Scandinavian scientific research institutions are at the forefront of renewable energy innovation. Türkiye could benefit from joint research initiatives with Scandinavian universities and scientists to advance technologies such as floating offshore wind turbines and energy storage systems.

Investment Opportunities

Türkiye’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are prime locations for offshore wind projects. The strong winds in this region could support large-scale wind farms similar to Denmark’s Horns Rev. With Danish and Norwegian expertise in offshore wind, Türkiye could establish wind farms near locations like Çeşme or Bodrum, helping to increase its renewable energy output and reduce dependence on natural gas.

Central Anatolia is one of the sunniest regions in Europe, with potential solar power generation of up to 1,500 kWh/m² per year. Sweden’s experience in developing large-scale solar farms and energy storage solutions could help Türkiye harness this potential. Joint ventures in Konya or Kayseri could lead to significant increases in solar capacity, supported by Swedish smart grid innovations.

Overcoming Challenges

Grid Integration Strategies

Policy and Regulatory Alignment

The strong winds in Türkiye’s Aegean and Mediterranean regions could support large-scale wind farms similar to Denmark’s Horns Rev. With Danish and Norwegian expertise in offshore wind, Türkiye could establish wind farms near locations like Çeşme or Bodrum, helping to increase its renewable energy output and reduce dependence on natural gas.

Capacity Building Programs

Türkiye could benefit from joint research initiatives with Scandinavian universities and scientists to advance technologies such as floating offshore wind turbines and energy storage systems. This collaboration would not only accelerate Türkiye’s renewable energy transition but also strengthen the country’s domestic capabilities and expertise in the renewable energy sector.

Sustainable Development Goals

Türkiye’s partnership with Scandinavia in renewable energy presents a strategic opportunity to enhance its energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and drive sustainable economic growth. By leveraging the region’s technological expertise and policy innovations, Türkiye can accelerate its transition to a low-carbon energy system, contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Moreover, the social and economic benefits of this collaboration can be far-reaching, creating new jobs, fostering local value creation, and improving energy access for all. As Türkiye and Scandinavia continue to forge stronger ties in the renewable energy sector, they can serve as a model for international cooperation in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

The European Future Energy Forum provides a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and renewable energy experts to share best practices and explore innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future. Türkiye’s collaboration with Scandinavia is a testament to the power of international cooperation in driving the global energy transition.