Maspo Energy GM Murat Solmaz: Geothermal energy is a strategic resource for Türkiye
Murat Solmaz (Source: Maspo Energy)
Carlo Cariaga
13 May 2026
In an interview, Maspo Energy General Manager Murat Solmaz emphasized that geothermal energy is a base load and strategic resource for Türkiye.
Maspo Energy General Manager Murat Solmaz stated that geothermal energy plays a critical role in Türkiye’s energy independence, adding that this resource is one of the most strategic energy sectors of the future.
Murat Solmaz’s insights were included in an interview published in the “News / Commentary” section of Gözlem Gazetesi on May 1, 2026.
Murat Solmaz, who has an engineering background in the energy sector, has been working in the field of geothermal energy for many years. In the interview, Solmaz stated that Türkiye’s high geothermal potential can be utilized much more effectively with proper planning and technology investments, and emphasized that geothermal energy plays a critical role in the renewable energy transition.
He noted that geothermal energy is a continuous and domestic resource, said that it also provides a great advantage in terms of energy supply security. Stating that Türkiye’s experience in this field is increasing every year, Solmaz said that geothermal energy can be used not only in electricity production but also in many different areas such as greenhouse heating, agriculture, industry and city heating.
Solmaz also touched upon the importance of technology use in the sector, stating that applications focused on digitalization, efficiency, and environmental sustainability will become even more prominent in the future. Expressing that environmental impacts in geothermal projects must be carefully managed, Solmaz said that with the right practices, geothermal energy is an environmentally friendly and long-lasting energy source.
The interview also touched upon the efforts needed to bring young engineers into the energy sector, increase R&D activities, and strengthen Türkiye’s position in geothermal technologies.
Two power plants in Alasehir
Maspo Enerji operates the ALA-1 and ALA-2 geothermal power plants located in the Alasehir district of Manisa. Through these plants, the company utilizes geothermal resources for electricity generation, adopting a sustainable production approach on-site. The company also announced the establishment of a geothermal R&D center back in 2020.
Highlighting the strategic importance of geothermal energy for Türkiye, Solmaz emphasized that with proper planning and technology investments, this resource could contribute even more to the country’s economy.
Source: Gözlem Gazetesi via our Turkish language platform JeotermalHaberler
