Turkey aims to hit 10,000 MW wind capacity: Minister

"As of the end of October, wind energy accounts for 9% of our total installed capacity and 17.5% of our renewable energy installed capacity. We were able to power 9.6 million households with these power plants," Donmez said at 9th Turkish Wind Energy Congress organized by Turkish Wind Energy Association (TUREB).

With an additional 740 MW capacity installed this year, Turkey's current installed capacity in wind energy reached 8,330 MW as of October, Donmez declared.

However, Turkey aims to increase this amount to initially 10,000 megawatts and then to 20,000 MW, according to Donmez.

"We want to make wind sector Turkey's second automotive sector," he asserted and added that there are currently more than 80 equipment production companies operating in the wind energy sector in Turkey.

The sector also employs 15,000 people which help localize energy technologies within the country with a 55-60% localization rate, he noted.

Donmez also said Turkey has taken important steps for wind energy thanks to Renewable Energy Resource Zones (YEKA) tenders.

Recalling that a wind turbine and R&D factory was established in Turkey's western Izmir province as part of wind YEKA project, Donmez said Turkey aims to become a leading country with its experience and high technology in the wind energy.

The YEKA tenders form part of Turkey's aim to supply 65% of its energy needs from domestic and renewable sources by 2023. In the first 1,000 MW wind tender that Turkey's Renewable Energy Resources Zone Project offered, a Siemens Gamesa - Turkerler - Kalyon consortium won the tender by submitting the best price of $3.48 per kilowatt-hour.

The minister also noted that Turkey has become the 5th largest producer in wind sector in Europe and exports 80% of its production capacity.

"Turkey ranks 7th in Europe and 12th in the world in terms of installed wind power," the minister said and assured his full trust in Turkish wind sector to strengthen this position in the future.