Türkiye’s solar power soars to record heights in 2024: Ember

Solar energy generation in Türkiye set new records in 2024, according to a report by London-based energy think tank Ember on Tuesday.

Ember’s latest analysis explores the role of solar energy in helping Türkiye meet its peak electricity demand.

Solar energy contributed significantly to Türkiye’s peak summer electricity demand, with a 40% year-over-year increase in generation from January to August, according to the report.

This year, solar energy set new hourly, daily, and monthly generation records.

Solar electricity generation peaked in April, surpassing last year’s July record and setting new highs for three consecutive months.

Solar energy accounted for a record 11% of total electricity generation in June, the report noted.

Solar set a new hourly record on June 16, meeting 46% of the country’s electricity demand. On the same day, solar energy also set a new daily record, contributing 17% to Türkiye’s total electricity generation.

Record-breaking heat in 74 provinces drove soaring electricity demand this summer, the report added.

Cooling degree days (CDD), a key indicator of cooling demand, tripled in June and rose by 50% in July compared to the five-year average.

Peak electricity demand surged 6.9% in July 2024, reaching a record high of 58 gigawatt-hours.

Commenting on the report, Ember Analyst Bahadir Sercan Gumus said that solar energy’s contribution to peak demand has increased sevenfold since 2017.

Gumus highlighted that this trend showcases the transformative potential of solar energy in enhancing energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

‘With Türkiye’s high potential and the integration of energy storage systems, solar energy will remain a key driver in securing energy and accelerating the transition to clean energy,’ Gumus added.

• EMBER
• Solar energy generation in Türkiye