Europe’s largest solar power plant has 3.5 million panels and can generate energy for 2 million people

Turkey is making major strides in renewable energy and is now home to the largest solar power plant in Europe. The massive project, which has also gone viral online thanks to its futuristic design, includes more than 3.5 million photovoltaic panels and can supply electricity for the equivalent of a city with around two million inhabitants.

According to a report by Euronews, Turkey has become a regional leader in battery energy storage projects, surpassing even major European Union countries.

Turkey surpasses EU countries in battery projects

The rapid development began after a rule introduced in 2022 required all new solar and wind energy projects to include equivalent battery storage capacity. The measure quickly triggered a huge wave of investments and project applications.

Within just a few months, applications totaling 221 GW were submitted, while around 33 GW have already been approved. By comparison, Germany and Italy — Europe’s largest energy storage markets — each have project portfolios of around 12–13 GW.

Experts say batteries could become the backbone of a new regional clean energy hub.

The solar plant that captured global attention

The symbol of this transformation is the Kalyon Karapınar SPP solar power plant, considered the largest solar installation in Europe. The complex covers nearly 20 million square meters, an area comparable to roughly 2,600 football fields.

One of the project’s most striking features is its futuristic control center building, designed by Bilgin Architects. The exterior is covered in reflective panels, while the interior includes a green courtyard open to the sky.

Produces enough energy for around two million people

The plant has been generating electricity since 2023 and produces nearly three billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. That amount is enough to provide clean energy for the equivalent of a city with around two million residents.

The project is considered strategic for Turkey, which is trying to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of renewable energy sources.

Solar and wind energy now account for 22% of the country’s electricity production

According to the Ember report, solar and wind power together represented 22% of Turkey’s total electricity generation in 2025 — the highest share among countries in the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

However, coal remains the country’s main electricity source, accounting for around 34% of production. Experts warn that, to become a global leader in green energy, Turkey must reduce its reliance on coal while continuing investments in battery storage and power grid modernization.