Turkey is set to launch its next solar power auction round with the aim of attracting companies to bid for grid connections. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources will begin accepting applications on January 27, with the bidding process for 800 MW in total connection capacity scheduled for February 4.
The auction, known as the Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) or YEKA, will see domestic and foreign companies compete for six photovoltaic projects. The winners will receive guaranteed grid connections for 49 years, as well as a minimum price for electricity during the initial five-year open market sale period, followed by a fixed price for another 20 years.
In an effort to boost renewable energy capacity, Turkey plans to hold tenders for at least 2 GW every year and reach a combined solar and wind power capacity of 120 GW by 2035. Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized the government’s commitment to this goal, as well as the recent publication of specifications for a wind power auction round of 1.2 GW.
The predetermined locations for the upcoming solar power projects are in the provinces of Konya, Karaman, Malatya, Van, Antalya, and Kütahya. The largest project, with a capacity of 385 MW, will be located in Karapınar, Konya. This particular zone already hosts one of the world’s largest solar power plants. Other project sites range from 40 MW to 200 MW in capacity.
During the auction, companies will have the opportunity to submit financial bids ranging from 3.25 to 5.5 US cents per kilowatt-hour. In order to participate, applicants are required to pay a fee and submit a letter of guarantee.
One notable requirement for auction winners is the adherence to strict domestic content regulations for solar modules and other equipment. Companies must use silicon-based crystal technology with a minimum 20% efficiency rate. Additionally, solar modules must have a domestic content rate of at least 75% after the raw wafer stage. Certain components, such as DC cables and bearing structures, also have minimum domestic content thresholds.
As Turkey continues to prioritize renewable energy development, these solar power auctions represent a significant opportunity for companies to contribute to the country’s clean energy goals while securing long-term grid connections and financial stability.
Turkey to Launch Next Solar Power Auction Round
Turkey is preparing to launch its next solar power auction round, called the Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) or YEKA, with the aim of attracting companies to bid for grid connections. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources will start accepting applications from companies on January 27, and the bidding process for a total connection capacity of 800 MW is scheduled for February 4.
Aims of the Auction
The auction will consist of six photovoltaic projects, and both domestic and foreign companies will compete for the contracts. The winners will receive guaranteed grid connections for 49 years, along with a minimum price for electricity during the initial five-year open market sale period, followed by a fixed price for the next 20 years.
Turkey’s Renewable Energy Goals
Turkey has set ambitious goals to boost renewable energy capacity. The country plans to hold tenders for at least 2 GW annually and aims to achieve a combined solar and wind power capacity of 120 GW by 2035. Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has emphasized the government’s commitment to these goals, and the recent publication of specifications for a wind power auction round of 1.2 GW further demonstrates their dedication.
Locations for Solar Power Projects
The predetermined locations for the upcoming solar power projects are in the provinces of Konya, Karaman, Malatya, Van, Antalya, and Kütahya. The largest project, with a capacity of 385 MW, will be located in Karapınar, Konya, which already hosts one of the world’s largest solar power plants. Other project sites range from 40 MW to 200 MW in capacity.
Financial Bids and Requirements
During the auction, companies will have the opportunity to submit financial bids ranging from 3.25 to 5.5 US cents per kilowatt-hour. To participate, applicants must pay a fee and submit a letter of guarantee.
One important requirement for auction winners is the adherence to strict domestic content regulations for solar modules and other equipment. The use of silicon-based crystal technology with a minimum 20% efficiency rate is mandatory. Solar modules must also have a domestic content rate of at least 75% after the raw wafer stage. Certain components, such as DC cables and bearing structures, also have minimum domestic content thresholds.
Opportunity for Companies and Turkey’s Clean Energy Goals
As Turkey continues to prioritize renewable energy development, these solar power auctions present a significant opportunity for companies to contribute to the country’s clean energy goals. By participating in the auctions, companies can secure long-term grid connections and financial stability while supporting Turkey’s transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.
Key Terms and Jargon:
– Renewable Energy Zones (REZ)/YEKA: Refers to the solar power auction round in Turkey.
– Photovoltaic (PV): Relating to the conversion of light into electricity using solar cells.
– Grid connections: The connection of a power plant or renewable energy facility to the electricity grid.
– Guaranteed grid connections: Assured access to the electricity grid for a certain period of time.
– MW: Megawatts, a unit of power.
– US cents per kilowatt-hour: The price of electricity per unit.
– Domestic content regulations: Rules requiring a certain percentage of locally produced components in renewable energy projects.
– Silicon-based crystal technology: Solar cell technology using crystals made of silicon.
– Efficiency rate: The effectiveness of converting sunlight into electricity.
– Raw wafer stage: The initial phase in the production of solar modules where wafers are formed.
– DC cables: Direct current cables used in solar power systems.
– Bearing structures: Support structures for solar panels.
Related Links:
– Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources: enerji.gov.tr
– Turkey’s Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK): epdk.org.tr
– International Renewable Energy Agency: irena.org