Türkiye Must Act Swiftly in AI Race, Says IEA Chief Fatih Birol

International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol has emphasized the urgency for Türkiye to take decisive action in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, warning that any delay could leave the country behind.

"Türkiye must take a significant leap forward in AI development without losing time," Birol stated in an interview with Hürriyet on February 13. His remarks were made during a high-profile AI summit in Paris, where industry leaders and policymakers debated the future of AI and its economic impact.

Highlighting Türkiye’s large population and growing economy, Birol underscored that falling behind in AI advancements could pose long-term challenges for national competitiveness. "We have a substantial economic and industrial base. It is crucial that we do not lag in this critical technological transformation," he said.

A Call for Collaborative AI Strategy

While Türkiye has made strides in certain industrial sectors, Birol stressed the need for a robust, nationwide AI strategy. He called for a coordinated effort among government agencies, private sector leaders, academia, and civil society to accelerate AI adoption and innovation.

The Paris summit saw discussions on AI’s transformative potential, including its ability to reshape global industries and drive economic growth. However, experts also raised concerns about the risks associated with AI, particularly in security and ethical governance.

The Energy-AI Connection: Powering the Digital Revolution

Birol also addressed a crucial but often overlooked aspect of AI—its enormous energy consumption. "Without energy, there is no artificial intelligence," he warned, emphasizing that AI’s rapid expansion hinges on reliable power sources.

"A single medium-sized data center consumes as much electricity as a city with 100,000 residents," he noted, drawing attention to the growing demand for energy infrastructure capable of supporting AI-driven economies.

The Global AI Race: Türkiye’s Position

As AI superpowers like the United States and China set the pace, Birol observed that regions such as Europe and India are struggling to keep up. He underscored the geopolitical significance of AI, stating, "Whoever controls artificial intelligence will shape the 21st century."

With a background in energy policy and economic strategy, Birol has led the IEA since 2015 and also chairs the World Economic Forum’s energy advisory council. His insights serve as a wake-up call for Türkiye to harness AI’s potential and solidify its place in the global digital economy.