In a big step toward sustainability, TUI Group has embraced solar energy to power eight of its hotels in Turkey, reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendliness. The group aims to install 20 photovoltaic systems across its global hotel network.
Currently, solar panels with a combined capacity of 15 MW are in use, with plans to expand this to more hotels in Turkey. TUI Group has already equipped three areas with solar panels, boasting a total capacity of 6.8 MWp, managed by TUI Hotel and Resort Turkey.
According to PV Magazine (19/7/2024), these plants currently supply electricity to four hotels, with a third power plant under development.
Additionally, new solar projects are planned for this year, including one in the Sanliurfa region, which will provide energy to two more hotels.
Sebastian Ebel, TUI Group’s CEO, emphasized that this effort is a key move toward sustainability and a significant reduction in emissions.
The initiative highlights the company’s commitment to growing sustainably and profitably while cutting emissions. The solar fields in Turkey offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy solution for the hotels, marking a crucial step toward achieving TUI’s sustainability goals.
Ebel also mentioned that a quarter of the hotels globally are already powered by renewable energy sources, including geothermal and biomass, providing a diverse energy mix.
Beyond hotels, TUI Group has extended its green energy efforts to its travel agencies and office buildings.
Turkey’s total installed solar capacity exceeded 12 GW this year, and the country has set a policy goal to increase the share of renewable energy in its production mix to 65% by 2035, up from the current 56%.