Heart of energy in Europe is not in Europe — This country hides 3,500,000 solar panels

by Anke E.   August 22, 2025  in Energy

There is a country that is home to the world’s most ancient known human settlement, as well as one of the oldest sweets in the world. It has also been the center of many debates, for a reason you will understand soon. It also homes the heart of energy in Europe, but it is not in Europe. The country capitalizes on its 3,500,000 hidden solar panels. Not only is it one of the biggest facilities in the world, but it is also one of the most innovative and uniquely designed facilities in the world.

One of the world’s largest hidden solar facilities

Humans, as a species, are naturally wired to be competitive, even when we are striving towards a common goal. Many nations across the world have signed the Paris Agreement to showcase their dedication to mitigating the effects of climate change. However, this noble joint attempt has resulted in many countries competing to come out on top as global leaders in renewable energies.

Solar power has been at the lead in installed renewable capacity globally, especially as many countries have set their own goals of increasing installed solar capacity by 2030, as per the International Energy Agency. The reason for this is solar’s versatile applications, which include, but are not limited to:

• Utility-scale plants
• Small-scale residential applications
• Small-scale commercial applications

There is one country that has piqued our interest, as it has one of the biggest solar facilities in the world, and the biggest in Europe, but the facility itself is not in Europe.

It is Europe’s largest facility, but it is not in Europe

This solar facility comprises a vast area of solar panels. It also houses a central control building for Kalyon Energy, which is extremely unique, as it is covered in a facade of reflective solar panels, hiding the entire building between Earth and sky. There are nearly 3.5 million solar panels spanning an area of nearly 20 million square meters. The facility’s construction kicked off in August 2020, and within three years, it reached full operational capacity.

This impressive facility is called Kalyon Karapınar Solar Power Plant, and is located in the desert region of Karapınar, Turkey. This is where debate always starts. Turkey is geographically situated in both Europe and Asia; however, Karapınar is in Asia, more specifically the central region of Anatolia, as per Britannica. This marks Asia as a “top dog” in solar capacity, as we recall that China has carpeted the mountains in solar panels.

The heart of energy is about so much more than just power

Now, Kalyon Karapınar is massive and powerful. According to Kalyon’s website, the facility produces almost 3 billion kWh of power annually, which is enough clean energy for 2 million people. It has also significantly boosted Türkiye’s solar energy capacity by 15%. This capacity is reportedly the equivalent of removing nearly 1.7 million annual carbon emissions.

Additional unique features of the facility

• The building is strategically situated to avoid shading of the solar panels
• Its multipurpose hall and cafeteria are a hub for collaboration and learning
• Sports a courtyard with low-maintenance native plants
• The interior is significantly cooler than the surrounding harsh climate
• The top facade of the courtyard is also covered with plants, boosting sustainability

The Kalyon Karapınar Solar Power Plant reminds us of the importance of integrating holistic and sustainable spaces into advanced renewable energy facilities. This unique and innovative facility brings the entire country, as well as Asia and Europe, one step closer to a more eco-friendly, sustainable power capacity. However, Asia has proven its dedication to remaining on top, especially as this Asian country has revealed the mother of all renewable plants. Competition is tough; thankfully, there is a bigger picture to keep in mind.

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