Saudi Arabia, Turkey Advance 3 GW Wind Power Phase

Reuters reported the agreement, citing Turkey’s energy ministry. The planned wind capacity would equal 20% of Turkey’s existing wind power generation capacity. “We are deepening our strategic energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia,” Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.

Turkey’s low-carbon capacity target would require the annual installation of 10 GW of new capacity. Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, aims to generate around 50% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2060. Those goals are part of Vision 2030, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The program’s solar phase was announced earlier this year. Saudi Arabia committed approximately $2 billion to two projects in Sivas and Karaman, with a combined capacity of 2 GW. Once launched, they are expected to meet the electricity needs of about 2.1 million households.

Bayraktar said at the time that the solar investments would be financed entirely through external financing, with credit also provided by international financial institutions. He described them as among the most important examples of direct foreign investment in Turkey’s energy sector.