Turkish Steel Sector Boosts Competitiveness with Solar Energy Investments

The European Union's carbon-neutral production requirements are steering Turkey's steel sector toward transformation. The sector, which has increased its share in the European market from 5% to 12% over the past 10 years, is further strengthening its competitive position through solar energy investments.

In Turkey's steel sector, which has a production capacity of 60 million tonnes, solar power plants (SPP) have been brought online in more than half of production. While 14 projects that have completed environmental approvals have reached a combined installed capacity of 1,171 MW, the total capacity is projected to reach 1,500 MW with ongoing investments.

As the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) makes energy costs and carbon intensity the most critical factors in competition, Turkish steel producers are reducing their carbon footprint through these investments while strengthening their position in Europe.

19th EIF Energy Transformation Fair to Present New Opportunities for Industry
The 19th EIF Energy Transformation Fair, an important meeting point for Turkey's industry transformation process, will be held on 8–10 October 2025 at Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre. EIF, the largest energy fair in Turkey and the region, will open doors to new partnerships and investments not only for the energy sector but also for integrated sectors such as iron and steel, automotive, finance and infrastructure.

EIF 2025, which will welcome professionals from numerous countries including Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, China, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, is seeing intense global interest this year as well.

"We Will Make Our Industry's Carbon-Neutral Journey Visible"
Murat Dilek, Chair of Global Energy Association and Chair of EIF Steering Board, made the following assessment while drawing attention to Turkish industry's carbon-neutral journey:

"During this period when the European Union is putting forward carbon-neutral production conditions, the steps taken by the Turkish steel sector through solar energy investments carry strategic significance. This transformation is shaping not only today's but also tomorrow's industrial infrastructure. As EIF, we are directing Turkey's energy future across a broad spectrum ranging from solar and wind energy to carbon markets, from hydrogen technologies to green finance.

EIF is not merely a fair; it is a platform where industrialists, investors and decision-makers meet at the same table and concrete partnerships emerge. At the EIF Energy Congress and Fair we will hold in Istanbul in 2025, we will make the steps our industry has taken in line with carbon-neutral production targets more visible. With regulations such as CBAM, the cleanliness of energy sources and cost-effectiveness are now fundamental factors in competition. We will continue our efforts to help Turkish industry turn this process into an opportunity."