DECARBONIZATION PATHWAYS IN THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR: TURKIYES STRATEGIC RESPONSE TO THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL

Driven by the European Green Deal and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), decarbonizing the electricity sector has become a core priority to safeguard trade competitiveness and achieve net-zero targets. This paper evaluates global power sector decarbonization pathways-focusing on renewable energy, nuclear power, energy storage, hydrogen, and carbon pricing-and analyzes Turkiyes strategic policy response. In line with its 2053 Net Zero target and the Green Deal Action Plan, Turkiye is rapidly transforming its energy mix. By leveraging its high renewable capacity share (59.49% in 2024), setting aggressive 2035 solar and wind targets, and integrating the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant as an emission-free baseload, Turkiye is shifting from a compliance-oriented trade policy to a holistic national decarbonization strategy. Ultimately, implementing the upcoming national Climate Law and a domestic Emissions Trading System (ETS) will be vital to mitigating CBAM risks and ensuring a sustainable, low-carbon economic transition.