CMS Expert Guide to Agrivoltaics and Floating Photovoltaics in Turkiye

There is no specific regulation for agrivoltaics. However, broader support schemes are available. For example, the Communiqué on Supporting Individual Irrigation Systems within the Scope of Rural Development Supports (No: 2021/7) (Kırsal Kalkınma Destekleri Kapsamında Bireysel Sulama Sistemlerinin Desteklenmesi Hakkında Tebliğ) provides subsidies for modern irrigation systems used in agricultural activities. These systems could potentially overlap with agrivoltaics, especially where solar energy is integrated with irrigation systems. Furthermore, there are occasional general solar energy incentives (GES Teşvikleri) that could be leveraged for agrivoltaic projects.

Agrivoltaic projects have been implemented in Türkiye. One of the leading energy brands of a prominent holding company recently initiated an agrivoltaic project in collaboration with a sustainable agriculture initiative, marking a significant milestone in integrating renewable energy with agriculture. As interest in agrivoltaics grows and the regulatory framework evolves, we anticipate the development of additional projects.

Agrivoltaics in Türkiye face regulatory challenges, as there is currently no specific regulatory framework dedicated to this technology. However, there are relevant provisions within existing legislation, e.g. solar energy systems are regulated under agricultural legislation. This regulatory framework primarily applies to solar installations intended for self-consumption on agricultural land. The absence of specific agrivoltaics regulations does not prevent pilot projects from being implemented. Future legislative developments will be crucial in further defining the conditions and expanding the opportunities for agrivoltaic projects in Türkiye.

With its extensive agricultural land and favourable solar conditions, Türkiye offers considerable potential for agrivoltaics. The country’s year-round sunlight makes it well-suited for projects that combine energy production and agricultural output. Agrivoltaic systems have already been successfully implemented in Türkiye, where they offer the dual benefits of increasing agricultural productivity and contributing to renewable energy generation.

To unlock the full potential of agrivoltaics, key factors such as suitable climate, soil, panel design compatibility with farming needs, effective collaboration, and the selection of appropriate crops must be addressed. Given these considerations, Türkiye is committed to expanding its agrivoltaics capacity and reaching its renewable energy goals.

Right now there are no specific financial support programmes in Türkiye that are exclusively dedicated to agrivoltaics systems. However, agrivoltaic projects may benefit from broader renewable energy and sustainability incentives available for solar energy investments. Türkiye has established support mechanisms for solar energy, such as feed-in tariffs for renewable energy projects, which can apply to agricultural solar power plants. Additionally, under the Communiqué on Supporting Individual Irrigation Systems within the Scope of Rural Development Supports, agrivoltaic projects that integrate irrigation systems could potentially benefit from subsidies aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity. Moreover, as mentioned above in section 1, occasional general solar energy incentives are available, which can also be applied to agrivoltaics projects.

As the sector evolves, the regulatory landscape may change, potentially leading to more targeted financial support for agrivoltaic projects in Türkiye.

No, not specifically.

Several FPV projects have been implemented in Türkiye. The country’s first FPV project, the 1 MW Kuzova Floating Solar Power Plant, was installed on the Keban Dam reservoir in East Türkiye. This project began producing electricity in June 2024. Other FPV projects, such as the Büyükçekmece Floating Solar Power Plant in Istanbul, are contributing to the growing presence of FPV technology in the country. These initiatives are indicative of Türkiye’s growing interest in utilising bodies of water such as dams and reservoirs for floating solar installations.

The primary regulatory challenge confronting floating PV projects in Türkiye pertains to the absence of specific legal guidelines and regulations for the installation of floating PV systems on bodies of water. While a framework for general renewable energy regulations is in place, there is a need for more explicit rules regarding the use of water surfaces for floating solar installations. Presently, the regulatory framework does not fully address the unique challenges posed by floating PV projects, such as environmental impact assessments and the integration of these systems with existing water management policies.

However, progress is being made in creating a legal framework to support FPV, with the introduction of new regulations expected to simplify the process for implementing FPV projects, particularly for installations on reservoirs and dams. Local authorities and the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) are gradually recognising the potential of FPV as part of Türkiye’s renewable energy strategy, and further regulatory updates are anticipated in line with the country’s growing focus on sustainability and green energy development.

Türkiye’s ideal geographical and climatic conditions make it a promising location for FPV projects. The country’s extensive network of reservoirs and dams, including the Keban Dam, provide prime locations for FPV systems. These bodies of water, many of which are used for agricultural irrigation, offer a unique opportunity to generate renewable energy without occupying valuable land that could be used for farming or other purposes. Türkiye’s high amounts of daylight further improve the feasibility of FPV projects, making them a strong candidate for renewable energy development.

In addition, Türkiye’s growing emphasis on renewable energy and sustainability, supported by both the government and the private sector, enhances the prospects for FPV as a key solution to meet the nation’s energy needs while minimising environmental impact. Recent initiatives, such as the Kuzova FPV project, have demonstrated the practical application of floating solar technologies, proving their viability within Türkiye’s energy mix.

Furthermore, Türkiye’s increasing energy demands and the drive to reduce reliance on imported energy sources highlight the importance of maximising the use of domestic renewable energy, including FPV systems. This makes FPV a promising avenue for the future, particularly as the country strives to meet its renewable energy targets. As regulatory frameworks evolve to better accommodate FPV, its role in Türkiye’s energy landscape is expected to grow further in the coming years.

No, not specifically. However, these projects may be eligible for general solar energy incentives (GES Teşvikleri), which support the broader development of solar energy technologies in the country. As the sector evolves, the regulatory landscape may change, potentially leading to more targeted financial support for FPV projects in Türkiye.