The ACWA Power wind project deal in Türkiye has expanded to a $5 billion joint project. The Phase 2 agreement was signed by Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar on Tuesday. It includes 3,000 MW of new wind power, which was agreed at the COP31 summit in Antalya. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in attendance.
Scope of the ACWA Power wind deal in Türkiye
The 3,000 MW wind capacity is equivalent to approximately 20 percent of the total installed wind power capacity in Türkiye. The investments are linked to improved infrastructure and system flexibility, and also associated grid transmission upgrades are part of the deal. The minister said that the strategic energy cooperation with Saudi Arabia is being strengthened.
The wind pact is part of a Saudi-Turkish renewable energy initiative of 5,000 MW in total, Phase 2 of which is the wind pact. In February, ACWA Power signed a $2 billion contract for Phase 1 to construct 2,000 MW of solar PV projects. The capacity is also divided into 1,000 MW in Sivas and 1,000 MW in Taseli region of Karaman. Phase 1 construction begins in 2027, and the two phases combined will invest nearly $5 billion in the program.
Other Projects
In the neighboring continent of Europe, SSE has picked Siemens Energy for the Berwick Bank B turbines and offshore substations contract in Scotland. The 1.4 GW offshore wind project now has a preferred supplier for both packages. The appointment is subject to a final investment decision and also final contract award. SSE stated that the agreement could create 2,677 skilled positions in the UK. The project is part of the larger 4.3 GW Berwick Bank complex, one of the world’s largest offshore wind developments.
Outlook for the Türkiye wind and solar program
According to the plans of the government of Türkiye, the country requires an average of 10,000 MW of new wind and solar power per year. The Saudi-backed pipeline also supplies a significant portion of that demand. Phase 1 solar crews mobilise first in 2027. The 3,000 MW wind buildout is then to follow under the Phase 2 framework signed in Antalya. The 5,000 MW program is now contracted in both governments.
Project Overview
- Program Value: $5 billion combined, near
- Phase 2: 3,000 MW wind across Türkiye
- Phase 1: 2,000 MW solar, $2 billion
- Developer: ACWA Power, Saudi Arabia
Scope
- Wind plants total 3,000 MW
- Grid transmission upgrades included
- Solar: 1,000 MW Sivas
- Solar: 1,000 MW Karaman Taseli
Project Highlights
- Equals a fifth of Turkish wind fleet
- Also signed at COP31 in Antalya
- Two governments, one 5,000 MW program
- Erdogan also present at the signing
Key Developments
- Phase 2 deal signed Tuesday
- February pact covered Phase 1
- Phase 1 construction starts 2027
- Total also reaches 5,000 MW jointly
Key Challenges
- Turkish annual target: 10,000 MW
- Wind buildout follows solar phase
- Grid upgrades must keep pace
- Phase 2 schedule also not disclosed
Outlook
- Solar crews mobilise in 2027
- Wind capacity follows Phase 2
- Program also hits 5,000 MW total
- Türkiye also targets met through buildout
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