Türkiye’s promising steps in shaping a green hydrogen economy

Green hydrogen is a zero-emission energy carrier produced through electrolysis, using renewable electricity from sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, and bioenergy to split water into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). Unlike grey hydrogen, which is produced from natural gas with high carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, or blue hydrogen, which uses carbon capture to reduce emissions, green hydrogen is fully carbon neutral. It reduces carbon emissions, especially in hard-to-decarbonize industries like steel, ammonia, and heavy transport and the shift to hydrogen-based energy increases energy security and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. As nations strive to achieve net-zero emissions driven also by Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)[1] in which energy plays a crucial role for transformation, green hydrogen has emerged as a key enabler of energy transition and decarbonization.

Strategic Developments and Current Situation in Türkiye’s Green Hydrogen Sector

Türkiye’s hydrogen sector is at an early stage, but recent developments demonstrate growing momentum. To date, large-scale hydrogen production remains limited, the focus has largely been on pilot projects and research initiatives.

The importance and utilization of hydrogen in Türkiye have steadily evolved over time. Hydrogen first gained formal recognition as an alternative fuel on May 2, 2007, when it was incorporated into official documents with the enactment of the Energy Efficiency Law (Enerji Verimliliği Kanunu) published in the Official Gazette (Resmi Gazete). This marked a pivotal moment in Türkiye’s commitment to exploring alternative energy solutions. In 2011, Türkiye took another significant step with the introduction of a regulation governing hydrogen-powered vehicles, further promoting hydrogen’s role in the transportation sector. On May 2, 2019, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure issued a regulation aimed at stimulating the use of hydrogen among clean energy fuels, specifically through the Regulations on Increasing Energy Efficiency in Transport (Ulaştırmada Enerji Verimliliğinin Artırılmasına İlişkin Usul ve Esaslar Hakkında Yönetmelik). Most recently, on January 15, 2020, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources organized the Hydrogen Exploration Conference, during which four critical advantages of hydrogen were emphasized: its potential to integrate more renewable energy into the system, decarbonize the heating sector, enable hydrogen production from local coal with CO₂ capture technologies, and promote the use of boron compounds for hydrogen storage. These early efforts underscore Türkiye’s growing recognition of hydrogen’s potential as a central component of its energy transition.

Looking ahead, Türkiye’s abundant renewable energy resources—particularly solar and wind—offer a strong foundation for the growth of a domestic green hydrogen industry. However, up until now, a comprehensive policy framework dedicated to hydrogen has been lacking. The release of the Turkish Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap (“Roadmap”)—published by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources—addresses this gap, demonstrating the government’s commitment to developing a robust hydrogen ecosystem and building on the progress of early-stage demonstration projects.

In alignment with global efforts to decarbonize energy systems, Türkiye has made significant progress in its hydrogen strategy, aligning with global efforts to decarbonise energy systems and expand hydrogen infrastructure. The Roadmap sets out an ambitious long-term vision for green hydrogen production, storage, and export. With this Roadmap, Türkiye has recognised hydrogen’s potential as a crucial alternative fuel source, playing an integral role in its 2053 net-zero target. This strategy positions hydrogen not only as a key element in the decarbonization of energy systems but also as an essential component of the country’s energy future.

Vision and Strategic Goals

Under the Roadmap, Türkiye envisions hydrogen as a key component of its sustainable future and a tool to achieve carbon neutrality by 2053. The strategy outlines a “carbon-free economy model” that leverages hydrogen across various sectors—including energy, industry, and transportation—in alignment with Türkiye’s economic development objectives and climate commitments. Key strategic goals include:

integrating hydrogen into Türkiye’s energy mix to reduce dependence on fossil fuels;
decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries such as steel, cement, chemicals, and heavy transport by substituting or blending fossil fuels with clean hydrogen; and
developing a domestic hydrogen value chain that drives innovation, investment, and job creation.

The Roadmap positions Türkiye as a regional leader in hydrogen technologies, capitalizing on its renewable potential and strategic location. By setting long-term targets, Türkiye aims to guide public and private efforts in scaling up hydrogen production, reducing costs, and establishing the necessary infrastructure and regulatory environment for a thriving hydrogen economy.

Türkiye’s Hydrogen Roadmap: Key Targets and Policy Actions

Türkiye’s geographical position, access to renewable energy, and strategic trade links place it in an advantageous position to supply European and global markets with green hydrogen. The Roadmap outlines the country’s ambition to become a key regional hub, with targets to:

expand electrolysis capacity to 2 GW by 2030, 5 GW by 2035, and 70 GW by 2053. This phased scale-up will enable hydrogen production using Türkiye’s growing renewable electricity generation;
reduce green hydrogen production costs to $2.4/kg by 2035 and $1.2/kg by 2053, making it competitive with fossil fuels.

Achieving these targets will require technology advancements, economies of scale, and integration of low-cost renewables.

As the global hydrogen economy shifts toward standardization, cost reduction, and large-scale deployment, Türkiye’s ambitious hydrogen policies and strategic investments position the country to emerge as a key player in this global transition. Each action point outlined in the Roadmap is linked to specific interim milestones—2030 and 2035 targets—as well as long-term objectives, ensuring a clear and actionable timeline for execution. The strategic combination of capacity expansion, infrastructure development, cost reduction, and supportive policy frameworks forms a comprehensive and cohesive plan to integrate hydrogen into Türkiye’s energy landscape over the next three decades.

Opportunities for Businesses and Investors

Türkiye’s hydrogen strategy presents significant opportunities for businesses, both domestic and international, to participate in and benefit from the growth of a new energy market. The government’s Roadmap sends a strong signal to the private sector that hydrogen projects will be supported, and that Türkiye is creating an enabling environment for clean energy investment.

Key opportunities include:

Companies investing in hydrogen production, storage, or distribution may access government incentives such as grants, tax exemptions or reductions, and preferential pricing for green hydrogen.
Partnerships between government authorities, state-owned enterprises, universities, and private companies will be essential for advancing pilot projects and large-scale developments.
As hydrogen is integrated into Türkiye’s legal framework, businesses will benefit from clear licensing procedures, safety standards, and hydrogen certification.
Energy-intensive industries such as steel, cement, fertilizers, and heavy transportation can use green hydrogen to reduce emissions, comply with environmental regulations, and enhance their ESG profiles.
Companies that engage early can secure prime project sites, establish brand recognition as leaders in green hydrogen, and influence industry standards and policy incentives.

Conclusion

Türkiye is rapidly positioning itself as a regional leader in the green hydrogen economy, leveraging its renewable energy resources, strategic location, and government-backed policies. With an ambitious Roadmap in place, the country aims to expand electrolyze capacity, enhance hydrogen infrastructure, and align with EU standards to become a key player in the global hydrogen market.

For more information on Türkiye’s Hydrogen Technologies Strategy and Roadmap and its impact on your company or business, please contact your CMS partner or local CMS expert: Dr. Döne Yalçın and Zeynep Berin Manavgat.

Businesses can capitalize on this transition by engaging in early investments, forming strategic partnerships, and aligning with sustainability and regulatory standards. As Türkiye’s hydrogen sector grows, it presents significant opportunities for companies to benefit from financial incentives, emerging market potential, and export opportunities, particularly in Europe.

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March 25, 2025 at 02:41AM