Initial 500 kW Prototype
During the project’s first phase, a 500 kW domestic wind turbine prototype was planned to be manufactured and commissioned to validate the design and technology development studies.
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Türkiye Launches MİLRES Domestic Wind Energy Project
MİLRES brought academia, public institutions and industry together to develop domestic wind turbine technology in Türkiye.
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Türkiye’s initiative to develop a domestic wind turbine began with MİLRES.
The National Wind Energy Systems Development and Prototype Turbine Production Project (MİLRES) was launched with the participation of academic institutions, public bodies and industrial organizations to develop Türkiye’s own wind turbine technology.
Following an approximately two-and-a-half-year preparation period, the project was launched with a budget of TRY 50 million. A research team comprising 121 academics was tasked with conducting domestic design, engineering and prototype development studies. The project aimed to develop a 500 kW domestic wind turbine in the first phase, followed by a 2.5 MW model in the subsequent phase.
Project Scope
A national technology programme extending from research to prototype production
The MİLRES Project was designed as a multi-stakeholder R&D programme aimed at developing critical wind turbine technologies in Türkiye, ranging from aerodynamic design and mechanical and electromechanical components to power electronics and control systems.
Large-Scale 2.5 MW Turbine
Following the engineering experience gained from the initial prototype, a larger 2.5 MW domestic turbine model suitable for use in commercial wind farms was planned for development.
Academic Team of 121
The project team, comprising 121 academics from different engineering disciplines, was established to conduct joint studies in aerodynamics, materials, mechatronics, generators, power electronics and control technologies.
Public–Academia–Industry Collaboration
Under the coordination of the Ministry of Energy, institutions including Sabancı University, TÜBİTAK, TAI, Istanbul Technical University and Istanbul Ulaşım were expected to bring together their expertise and technical capabilities.
Domestic Industry Participation
By manufacturing turbine components through domestic industrial organizations, the project aimed to develop a specialized wind energy supply chain and a robust supporting industry.
Wind Technology Ecosystem
The expertise developed through MİLRES was intended to be transferred to industry through platforms such as RETEP and to establish lasting collaboration between research institutions and manufacturers.
TRY 50 Million announced research and development budget for MİLRES
121 number of academics planned to participate in the project
500 kW target capacity of the first domestic wind turbine prototype
2.5 MW target capacity of the large-scale domestic turbine model
Technology Approach
Critical wind turbine components are being developed through domestic engineering expertise.
MİLRES aimed not only to produce a turbine prototype but also to establish a lasting domestic technology infrastructure that could support design, engineering, testing, validation and serial production.
By transferring the technologies developed under the project to domestic industry, the initiative aimed to reduce reliance on imported equipment, strengthen high-value-added manufacturing capacity and enable Türkiye to participate in its growing wind energy market with its own technology.
- Development of the aerodynamic design of turbine blades
- Engineering analysis of the nacelle, tower and supporting structures
- Development of domestic generator and drivetrain solutions
- Design of power electronics and grid connection technologies
- Development of turbine control, monitoring and safety software
- Manufacturing, assembly and integration of prototype components
- Validation of design performance through laboratory and field testing
- Transfer of technological expertise to domestic manufacturers and supporting industries
Economic and Strategic Objective
The project aims to increase the share of domestic technology in wind energy investments.
When MİLRES was launched, Türkiye was projected to reach 20,000 MW of installed wind energy capacity by 2023, with total turbine investments expected to amount to approximately $30 billion.
The project aimed to meet at least $7.5 billion of this investment volume through domestic technology, manufacturing and supply capabilities. MİLRES was introduced as one of the most comprehensive research and development initiatives outside the defence industry.
- Reducing dependence on wind turbine imports
- Developing high-value-added domestic manufacturing capacity
- Establishing a robust domestic supply chain for turbine components
- Transforming engineering expertise into commercially viable products
- Creating new areas of expertise and skilled employment
- Preparing domestic manufacturers for the international wind energy market
- Increasing resource diversity and technological independence in the energy supply
- Contributing to the clean energy transition through domestic technology