Energy Law

Turkey’s Energy Regulatory Landscape

Turkey’s energy sector is regulated by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA, known as EPDK in Turkish), which oversees licensing, tariff setting, and market conduct across electricity, natural gas, petroleum, and LPG markets. The Electricity Market Law (Law No. 6446) and the Renewable Energy Law (Law No. 5346) form the legislative backbone of the sector, supplemented by a large body of secondary regulation.

We advise energy companies, project developers, and financial institutions on the legal and regulatory aspects of energy projects in Turkey. Our work spans the project lifecycle from initial feasibility and licensing through construction, operation, and eventual disposition.

Renewable Energy Projects

Turkey has continued to develop its renewable energy capacity in recent years, with solar and wind projects playing an important role in the market. The government allocates large-scale renewable energy zones (YEKA) through competitive tender processes and maintains a support framework for eligible renewable energy generation facilities under YEKDEM.

We advise on YEKA tender participation, including consortium formation, bid preparation, and negotiation of the resulting project agreements. For smaller-scale projects, we handle EMRA licensing applications, negotiate agreements with off-takers, and structure project finance arrangements.

Grid Connection and Transmission

Grid connection remains one of the most significant practical constraints for energy projects in Turkey. Developers must secure connection capacity from the transmission system operator (TEIAS) or the relevant distribution company, depending on the project size and location. We advise on connection applications, grid impact assessments, and disputes over connection capacity allocation.

Energy Sector Transactions

M&A transactions in the energy sector require careful regulatory due diligence. Licences issued by EMRA are subject to transfer restrictions, and changes in shareholding may require regulatory approval or notification. We conduct due diligence on generation, distribution, and trading companies, reviewing licences, connection agreements, land rights, environmental permits, and power purchase agreements.

Environmental and Carbon Compliance

Energy projects increasingly intersect with environmental law and carbon regulation. Turkey’s ratification of the Paris Agreement and the development of a domestic emissions trading system will create new compliance obligations for carbon-intensive industries. We advise clients on environmental permitting, carbon reporting, and the legal implications of Turkey’s energy transition policies.