MTA highlights geothermal activity in Türkiye in 2024 activity report
MTA Headquarters (source: MTA official website)
Carlo Cariaga
28 Mar 2025
Türkiye's MTA has published its 2024 activity report, providing a summary of geothermal licenses granted and other exploration activities from the past year.
The General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) has published its 2024 activity report. In line with policies, measures, and objectives related to the energy and mining sectors, MTA carries out projects in various fields, including geological and geophysical surveys, exploration of metallic and industrial raw materials, coal, geothermal, and nuclear energy resources, analysis services, and various scientific and technological research. Through the data obtained from these projects, MTA provides essential infrastructure services and scientific support to relevant sectors, primarily geothermal and mining.
The 2024 activity report, published on MTA’s website, provides insights into the institution’s operations, covering a wide range of topics, from tenders to exploration activities. Here are some key highlights in the field of geothermal energy:
103 Geothermal Fields Transferred to Investors
According to the report, a total of 103 geothermal fields have been transferred to investors through tenders conducted under Geothermal Law No. 5686 and its Implementation Regulation. It is stated that 16 of these fields are suitable for electricity generation.
Ongoing Geothermal Exploration in Central Anatolia
As part of ongoing studies in Central Anatolia, research focuses on the stratigraphic structure, geological formations, fault and fracture systems, and regional stress structure. In the Giresun-Sebinkarahisar field, geological surveys and geophysical studies have been completed. Detailed geological and geophysical studies continue in the licensed areas of Kayseri and Kirsehir, while geothermal drilling in Nevsehir and geological surveys in Cankiri are contributing to the assessment of the region’s potential.
Geothermal Energy Potential in Western Anatolia
Western Anatolia, one of Türkiye’s most geothermal-rich regions, is under investigation, particularly in the Kücük Menderes Graben, for potential electricity generation and heating applications. Geological and geophysical studies have been completed in licensed areas in Izmir-Bayindir, Aliaga, Menemen, and Bergama, while some drilling activities in Balikesir were terminated due to low temperature.
Ongoing Exploration in the Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia
In the Western Black Sea region, geological and geophysical studies have been conducted in Bolu and Düzce. In Eastern Anatolia, exploration continues in Agri, Artvin, Bingöl, Erzurum, Igdir, and Van. A geothermal drilling well in Agri was closed due to high reservoir pressure, and new studies are being planned in the region. In Southeastern Anatolia, geothermal field analyses and drilling operations are ongoing in Diyarbakir, Siirt, Bingöl, and Sanliurfa.
Geothermal Licenses and New Developments
MTA applies for Geothermal Resource Exploration Licenses from Provincial Special Administrations and Governorships under the Geothermal Resources and Natural Mineral Waters Law No. 5686. If geothermal resources are identified in the licensed areas, these fields are either tendered under the State Tender Law No. 2886 or transferred to public institutions and organizations through approval by the Ministry based on revenue-sharing principles or compensation.
As of the end of 2024, the geothermal license statistics are:
- 51 total geothermal licenses
- 17 new geothermal licenses granted
- 18 geothermal licenses abandoned
- 1 geothermal license transferred through tender
Türkiye’s Geothermal Map is Being Updated
Since 1963, MTA has conducted geothermal energy exploration and is now digitizing all data to create a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based data management system. Under Law No. 5686, all geothermal drillings conducted by the private and public sectors will be integrated into a GIS-based database. This initiative will produce a detailed geothermal resource map of Türkiye, making it accessible to researchers and the public.
According to MTA’s activity report, ongoing geothermal studies will contribute to Türkiye’s renewable energy utilization and enhance energy independence. Future efforts will focus on identifying new geothermal sites and advancing work in existing fields.
For a summary of geothermal-related sections from the 2023 activity report, click here.
Source: MTA via our Turkish language platform JeotermalHaberler
