Turkish Renewable Energy Investment Rights
Turkey is quietly handing out 85% discounts on land fees for renewable energy projects, but most investors have no idea this massive incentive exists.
While everyone talks about Turkey's renewable energy potential, they're missing the government's aggressive behind-the-scenes push to make these projects incredibly affordable. You can build solar panels in national parks with the right permits, get your planning fees waived entirely for small self-supply systems under 1 megawatt, and access state-owned forest land through streamlined processes most developers don't know about.
This isn't just another overview of Turkey's energy policies – we're diving into the specific fee exemptions, land access shortcuts, and government incentives that can slash your project costs by tens of thousands of dollars, straight from the official regulations that remain buried in bureaucratic language most people never decode.
Fee Exemptions for Small Projects
Self-Supply Energy Projects
If you're planning to build a small renewable energy system just to power your own home or business, Turkey offers a great incentive. For systems up to 1000 kilowatts (1 megawatt), you won't have to pay any service fees for project planning when the initial studies or master plans were prepared by government agencies like DSİ or EİGM. This makes the initial investment much more affordable for small-scale producers who just want energy independence.
Isolated System Benefits
When setting up an isolated electricity system (one not connected to the main grid) using renewable sources, you benefit from the same fee exemptions as long as you're only generating power for your own needs. This is particularly valuable for:
Remote properties where grid connection might be expensive or impractical
Businesses requiring energy independence
DSİ Project Fee Waivers
For projects where the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) or the General Directorate of Energy Affairs (EİGM) completed the initial planning, preliminary examination, or first study, service fees are waived. This applies to:
Small systems up to 1000 kW capacity
Systems designed to meet only your own energy needs
Both grid-supported and isolated systems
Government Incentives Structure
Manufacturing Support Programs
The Turkish government provides special incentives for locally manufacturing electro-mechanical systems used in renewable energy production. By Presidential decree, these manufacturing ventures can receive significant support, helping:
Build a domestic renewable energy industry
Create jobs
Reduce import dependency
R&D Investment Provisions
Research and development investments focused on biofuel production or electricity generation from biomass sourcesqualify for governmental incentives. This support helps Turkish companies:
Develop innovative technologies
Improve existing technologies
Position Turkey as a competitive player in the renewable energy sector
Solar Technology Priorities
Turkey particularly encourages R&D and manufacturing investments in:
Solar cell technology
Focusing units for electricity production systems
Presidential decrees can grant special incentives to companies developing these technologies, recognizing their strategic importance in Turkey's renewable energy future.
Land Access Provisions
Forest Land Usage Rights
Renewable energy facilities can be established on forest lands through:
Permits
Leases
Easement rights
Usage permissions from the relevant ministry
This enables developers to access suitable land while paying appropriate fees, creating a pathway for renewable projects in forested areas where wind or hydro resources might be abundant.
State-Owned Land Allocation
For projects needing state-owned land or land under state control, the Ministry of Finance provides:
Permits
Leases
Easement rights in exchange for appropriate fees
This streamlined process helps developers secure the land they need for renewable energy projects without complicated negotiations with multiple landowners.
Pasture Land Conversion Process
When the following types of land are needed for renewable energy projects, these areas can be repurposed following the Pasture Law procedures:
Pasture land
Highland areas
Winter quarters
Public grazing lands
The process involves:
Land use purpose is changed
Land is registered in the name of the Treasury
Ministry of Finance can lease it or establish easement rights for renewable energy development
Fee Reductions and Discounts
85% Land Usage Discount
Here's a significant cost-saver: Renewable energy facilities that begin operation by December 31, 2025, receive an 85% discount on land-related fees for ten years from their licensing date. This applies to:
The power plant
Access roads
Energy transmission lines to the connection point
The discount significantly reduces operational costs, making projects more financially viable.
Protected Status Exemptions
Renewable energy projects are exempt from certain state land management fees. Specifically, they don't need to pay:
Forest Villagers Development Revenue
Afforestation Revenue
Erosion Control Revenue
These exemptions represent substantial savings for developers, especially for projects covering larger land areas.
Reservoir Area Free Usage
For hydroelectric power plants, the reservoir areas on state-owned or state-controlled land are provided free of charge. This provision recognizes that reservoirs create multi-purpose benefits beyond just energy generation, including:
Potential recreation opportunities
Fishing benefits
Water storage benefits for surrounding communities
Protected Area Permissions
National Park Project Requirements
Renewable energy projects can be established even in the following protected areas with proper permission:
National parks
Nature parks
Natural monuments
Nature conservation areas
The relevant ministry must give positive feedback for the project to proceed, ensuring that renewable energy development balances with environmental protection.
Wildlife Area Considerations
Even in wildlife development areas and specially protected environmental zones, renewable energy facilities can be established with proper approvals. This balanced approach allows for:
Clean energy production
Maintaining oversight to protect important wildlife habitats
Special Environmental Zones
Different approval requirements apply based on zone type:
Special environmental protection zones: Require positive feedback from the relevant ministry
Natural protected areas: Need approval from the relevant protection regional committee
This ensures that while renewable energy development is encouraged, it proceeds with appropriate environmental safeguards in ecologically sensitive areas.
Ready to Start?
Turkey's renewable energy landscape offers impressive opportunities, from fee exemptions to land access programs. The 85% discount alone can transform project economics. But dealing with ministry approvals, land permits, and regulatory compliance requires local expertise.
At Atlas Legal Partners, we help foreign investors handle Turkey's renewable energy regulations every day. Our Istanbul-based team knows which incentives apply to your specific project and how to secure the necessary permits efficiently.
What's holding you back from exploring Turkey's renewable energy potential – is it the regulatory complexity, or are you still weighing the financial benefits?
