Türkiye, Saudi Arabia Seal 3 GW Renewable Energy Deal at COP31 Antalya

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are set to sign a new agreement at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, adding another 3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity to their existing deal. This brings the total capacity covered by the countries' cooperation framework to 5 gigawatts.

The first phase of the agreement, signed earlier this year, covers solar power projects in central Türkiye and is being developed by Saudi Arabia's state-owned energy company ACWA Power. Construction on these projects is expected to begin soon, with initial electricity generation targeted for early 2028 and full capacity expected by 2028.

The second phase of the agreement will include a mix of solar and wind projects, along with energy storage, although specific locations have not yet been announced.

Türkiye's Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized the country's commitment to becoming energy-independent in the coming years. He noted that Türkiye's oil production has tripled, natural gas production has increased ninefold, and mineral exports have risen tenfold over the past 25 years.