8/19/2020

First Integrated Solar Panel Manufacturing Plant Commissioned

Türkiye has been steadily commissioning new investments in the renewable energy sector in recent years. The latest series of these investments include Türkiye's first integrated solar panel manufacturing plant established by Turkish conglomerate Kalyon Holding in the Başkent Organized Industrial Zone in Ankara. The project was inaugurated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on August 19.

“I strongly believe that this facility will pave the way for Türkiye's leadership in the solar panel industry. In 2019, we met the energy needs of around 4.1 million households with solar power. We are constantly expanding our energy infrastructure by diversifying energy sources in the power grid without dependence on a single source. In terms of installed solar capacity, Türkiye currently ranks 13th globally and 7th in Europe," said President Erdoğan in his address at the ceremony.

“With this USD 1 billion worth of investment power plant, we will not only meet the annual energy requirement of two million citizens, but will also prevent two million tons of fossil and carbon dioxide emission per year. This environmentally-friendly and modern facility is a source of pride for our country and stands out as a pioneer in the sector in multiple aspects," added the President.

The photovoltaic manufacturing hub – the first of its kind – will be the first integrated solar panel production factory in Europe and the Middle East with an annual production capacity of 500 MW and will provide employment for 1,400 people. The panels manufactured at the facility will be employed in the 1 GW-project in Karapınar in Central Anatolian province of Türkiye.

On October 19-23, 2020, Türkiye is poised to invite bids to build 74 solar power plants throughout 36 provinces. The projects will be developed through allocation in exchange for a Use of Domestic Products (YMKT) Model, and will have capacities of 10, 15 and 20 MW.

Two-thirds of electricity generation in Türkiye is derived from domestic and renewable resources. The rate of domestic resources in electricity generation increased from 42.1 percent in 2013 to 64.1 percent in 2019, while electricity generation from renewables reached 48 percent the same year. On May 24, 2020, Türkiye's power generation from domestic and renewable sources reached 90 percent, marking an all-time record.
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