Turkey’s Energy Security Requires A Balanced And Strategic Approach – OpEd

Energy has become one of the defining strategic issues of the twenty-first century. No longer merely a tradable commodity, energy increasingly shapes economic resilience, geopolitical positioning, and national security. For an industrializing country such as Turkey, ensuring affordable, reliable, and uninterrupted energy supply is therefore not only an economic objective but a cornerstone of long-term development.

Recent discussions in Turkey's energy policy community, including assessments in the 2025 Coal and Energy Report prepared by the TMMOB Chamber of Mining Engineers, highlight a structural challenge that deserves careful attention: the growing gap between domestic energy production and total national consumption.

Historically, Turkey relied far more heavily on its own resources. In 1970, approximately 77 percent of the country's energy demand was met from domestic sources. Today, that figure has declined significantly. By 2024, domestic resources accounted for only about one-third of total energy consumption.

This shift has had substantial macroeconomic implications. Turkey's energy import bill has expanded from roughly $11.6 billion in 2003 to nearly $65 billion in 2024. Energy imports now represent a significant share of the country's total import expenditures, contributing to current account pressures and increasing exposure to global commodity price volatility.

Like many countries, Turkey is actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio. Wind and solar capacity have grown rapidly over the past decade, supported by favorable policy frameworks and private sector investment. These resources are expected to continue playing an increasingly important role in Turkey's electricity mix.

However, the global energy transition remains gradual rather than instantaneous. Worldwide, fossil fuels still provide a substantial portion of primary energy supply. Most energy systems therefore rely on a combination of renewable and conventional sources to ensure system reliability.

In this context, domestic coal resources continue to attract policy interest. Coal-fired power plants, despite environmental concerns, still serve an important base-load function in many electricity grids by providing stable and dispatchable power. Technological improvements in emissions control, plant efficiency, and carbon management are also gradually reducing the environmental footprint of coal-based generation.

Turkey possesses considerable lignite reserves, yet a portion of these resources remains insufficiently explored or technologically challenging to develop. Expanding geological research, improving mining productivity, and applying modern combustion technologies could help utilize these resources more efficiently while maintaining environmental safeguards.

Nevertheless, the broader issue extends beyond any single fuel source. Energy security ultimately depends on long-term planning, institutional coordination, and technological innovation. A resilient energy system requires diversification across fuels, strong transmission infrastructure, and sustained investment in efficiency.

A pragmatic energy strategy for Turkey could therefore emphasize three complementary priorities:

First, strengthening domestic energy capacity.

Greater utilization of local resources—including renewables, hydroelectric power, and selected conventional sources—can help moderate import dependency.

Second, enhancing governance and regulatory stability.

Transparent policy frameworks and consistent long-term planning are essential for attracting private investment and ensuring efficient project development.

Third, prioritizing energy efficiency.

Reducing demand through industrial modernization, improved building standards, and smarter energy management can significantly enhance energy security.

Ultimately, energy policy is not simply a question of production but of strategic balance. Countries that succeed in the coming decades will be those that combine diversification, technological adaptation, and careful long-term planning.

For Turkey, navigating this transition successfully will require a balanced approach—one that integrates renewable expansion with pragmatic management of existing resources while maintaining economic competitiveness and energy reliability.

Energy sovereignty in the modern era is less about self-sufficiency alone and more about resilience, flexibility, and strategic foresight. With thoughtful planning and sustained investment, Turkey can strengthen the foundations of its energy system while continuing to support industrial growth and economic stability.