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Turkey’s significant growth continues, 635 MW online today

Turkey’s significant growth continues, 635 MW online today Kizildere geothermal plant, Turkey (source: www.saraykoy.gov.tr)
Alexander Richter 19 Jan 2016

Turkey continues its significant growth driving its installed geothermal power generation capacity up to 635 MW as of January 2016.

The incredible growth of geothermal energy continues in Turkey. With an installed geothermal power generation capacity of 30 MW back in 2008, the country has now an installed capacity of 635 MW, as of January 2016.

The energy demand in Turkey has been growing dramatically. With an electricity consumption of about 1,485 kWh/ capita in 2002, it is now 3,429 kWh and is expected to further increase to 6,000 kWh in 2023 and 7,000 kWh by 2050.

Turkey seriously started development in 1984, and now the total number of wells drilled is about 1,200 for direct use and power generation. About 300 wells have been drilled in recent years for geothermal power projects.

This represents a dramatic growth for geothermal power generation capacity. In 2008 the overall installed capacity was 30 MWe, so the past 7-8 years has seen an increase of larger than 600 MW.

Turkey is now no. 8 in the Top 10 ranking of the countries on installed geothermal power generation capacity, having just moved ahead of Kenya.

Top10_WorldGeothermalCapacity_Jan2016

Source: ThinkGeoEnergy 2016, Enerji Atlasi

 

There are today 21 geothermal power plants operating, with an additional 96 MW in construction and planned projects of 430 MW, as reported by Enerji Atlasi.

Driven by strong energy demand, strong conglomerates developing projects and a favourable energy legislative and policy framework, Turkey has developed a thriving geothermal industry, also with support by international investors and suppliers.

The market has also seen strong support efforts by financial institutions such as IFC/ World Bank and through a new $125 million exploration funding mechanism announced by EBRD in cooperation with CTF last week.

With favourable feed-in-tariffs and bonuses for equipment manufactured in Turkey, suppliers like those for turbines have set up Turkish operations to serve its customers.

ThinkGeoEnergy together with Enerchange is currently working on a report on the Geothermal Market in Turkey to be launched in May 2016.