Power generation from geothermal resources in Turkey

Abstract

This study provides information on power generation via geothermal resources and sector development. The first instance of power generation from geothermal resources was performed by a state-owned power plant at Kızıldere-Denizli, whereas the first private sector investment was the Dora-I power plant, commissioned in 2006. Legislation regulating rights ownership and certification laws was issued in 2007. The installed capacity of the geothermal resources is 311.871 MW for 16 power plants, and power generation licenses were issued for 713.541 MW at the end of 2012. The total potential geothermal power that can be generated in Turkey is estimated to be approximately 2000 MW. The geothermal fields in Turkey produce high levels of greenhouse gases, which have been deemed highly responsible for global warming. Due to high CO2 emissions, the geothermal energy sector risks a carbon tax in the near future. For certain geothermal resources, multiple investors produce electricity from the same resource. The sector will inevitably experience severe damage unless permanent solutions are devised for problems related to sustainably managing geothermal resources and environmental problems.