Bureaucracy is significantly reducing in renewable energy investments in Turkey. The “Super Permit Law” published in the Official Gazette will significantly speed up the permitting process for wind and solar energy projects.
Bureaucracy is decreasing in renewable energy investments
The license and zoning permit processing time for wind projects will be reduced from 4 years to 18 months, and for solar energy projects, the average two-year process will be reduced to 1.5 years. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process has been made more flexible. An EIA report is no longer a prerequisite for zoning permits; projects can begin permitting and zoning procedures while their EIA applications are still pending.
With the broad powers granted to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK)’s urgent expropriation authority has been strengthened. Lands that have lost their forest status and lack vegetation can be used for hybrid renewable energy projects.
Unlicensed production facilities have been granted an amnesty, enabling them to become legally regulated. The EIA process for wind energy projects will now be conducted concurrently with other permits, reducing time loss. The mandatory ornithological observations in areas outside of main bird migration routes will be lifted, ensuring the protection of nature and accelerating projects.
Alper Kalaycı, President of the Energy Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (ENSIA), stated that with the new regulation, Turkey will be able to implement wind energy projects faster than Europe. This is expected to create an attractive environment for foreign investors. Kalaycı also noted that additional regulations, such as electricity sales prices and distribution fees, will increase investment interest.
The new law will play a critical role in Turkey’s achievement of its 2035 renewable energy targets and 2053 net-zero emissions vision. By accelerating investments, Türkiye will increase its competitiveness in the renewable energy sector.
