Türkiye's Solar Energy Boom Faces Challenge as Country Continues to Depend on Coal

**Konya, November 6, 2026:** Türkiye is expanding its renewable energy capacity ahead of hosting the United Nations COP31 climate summit, but its continued dependence on coal remains a major environmental challenge. One of Europe's largest solar power facilities, the Kalyon Karapinar Solar Power Plant in central Türkiye, operates with more than three million solar panels. According to the plant's director, the facility generates enough electricity to meet approximately 0.7 per cent of Türkiye's annual electricity demand and helps prevent around 1.75 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year. However, coal still accounted for 33 per cent of the country's electricity generation last year, according to Türkiye's Energy Ministry. Solar and wind together contributed nearly 23 per cent. Environmental campaigners have called for a clearer roadmap to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Türkiye will host COP31 in Antalya from November 9 to 20, bringing together international representatives to discuss climate action and energy policies. **Source:** Euronews, with Associated Press reporting. **Publication date:** November 6, 2026