Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have taken a major step in renewable energy collaboration with a $1 billion investment in a 1,100-megawatt solar power plant in Nigde Bor, central Turkiye. The announcement was made by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, who emphasized that the project will serve as a cornerstone in Turkiye's transition to a clean energy future.

The investment builds upon a $27 billion framework agreement signed in 2023, highlighting the strong partnership between Abu Dhabi's clean energy company Masdar and Turkiye's Ministry of Energy. This collaboration demonstrates the commitment of both nations to advancing sustainability, technology transfer, and long-term climate goals.

In addition to the solar plant, several other projects are under discussion, including onshore and offshore wind farms, pumped-storage hydroelectricity facilities, and a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line. These projects are designed to diversify energy sources, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure long-term energy security for Turkiye.

Turkiye's national strategy is ambitious, aiming to quadruple its wind and solar capacity from 30 gigawatts (GW) to 120 GW by 2035. Achieving this goal will require an estimated $108 billion in investment, underlining the scale of opportunities for regional and global investors.

The partnership also aligns with Turkiye's broader vision of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2053. By embracing such large-scale renewable projects, the country seeks not only to reduce dependence on fossil fuels but also to position itself as a regional clean energy hub.

For the UAE, the collaboration reinforces its global leadership through Masdar, which has already established a strong renewable footprint worldwide. Minister Bayraktar stressed that the cooperation will accelerate clean energy adoption, enhance infrastructure, and support sustainable development for future generations.

Source: