Bilgin stated that 2024 is a critical turning point for Turkey’s energy storage systems.
The Secretary-General of EDİDER, Bilgin, stated, “2024 has been a critical turning point for Turkey’s energy storage systems. Comprehensive changes have been made in energy storage systems to ensure energy supply security and enhance the integration of renewable energy sources.”
Bilgin highlighted that the regulations, strategic investments, and budget increases led by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (ETKB) and the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) formed the foundation of the sector’s transformation, adding:
“The goal to increase the capacity of energy storage systems has translated into concrete actions as of 2024. In ETKB’s 2024–2028 Strategic Plan, the target is to boost cumulative battery storage capacity from 1,000 megawatts in 2024 to 10,000 megawatts by 2028. This aim seeks to facilitate the integration of fluctuations in renewable energy production into the grid while ensuring energy supply security. This growth in storage capacity lays the foundation for a more flexible and sustainable energy sector.”
Bilgin noted that significant changes in legislation regarding energy storage systems were evident, with EPDK and ETKB preparing comprehensive draft regulations to meet the sector’s needs and presenting them for public consultation.
He emphasized that the draft amendment to the Regulation on the Acceptance of Electricity Generation and Storage Facilities aims to expand the legal and technical infrastructure of energy storage systems. “The regulation introduced definitions for modern energy technologies, such as battery management systems, energy management systems, and system control software, and established standards ensuring their safe and compliant operation,” he explained.
Redefining the roles of storage in the energy market
Bilgin stated that the new regulations aim to enhance safety standards while offering the sector a more transparent framework:
“2024 has also been the year when the roles of energy storage systems in the energy market were redefined. Consequently, 2024 has been a remarkable year for advancements in Turkey’s energy storage sector. The goals for increased storage capacity, budgetary support, and comprehensive regulatory adjustments have accelerated the transformation of Turkey’s energy sector. These developments have significantly contributed to energy supply security and sustainability by enabling more efficient use of renewable energy sources. With these steps, Turkey is decisively advancing toward becoming a regional leader in energy storage systems.”
Bilgin mentioned that EDİDER organized the 2nd Energy Storage Systems Summit in May, in collaboration with the Energy Storage Systems Association, to contribute to Turkey’s energy transition. The summit served as a crucial platform for in-depth discussions on the future of energy storage systems, bringing together sector stakeholders.
He explained that the summit’s main topics included financing models, renewable energy integration, innovations in permitting processes, and developments in solar and wind power projects (GES-RES). “At the summit, we addressed strategic approaches to energy storage systems and provided comprehensive feedback on draft regulations, contributing to shaping sectoral development,” Bilgin stated.
Bilgin concluded by expressing hope that their efforts would benefit the improvement of Turkey’s regulatory framework for energy storage systems and enhance the sector’s global competitiveness.
