Current status of geothermal energy applications in Turkey

Turkey is located on the Mediterranean sector of the Alpine-Himalayan Tectonic Belt and has a place among the first 7 countries due to the abundance of geothermal resources around the world. The share of its potential used is, however, only about 2-3%. This means that considerable studies on geothermal energy could be conducted in order to increase energy supply and to reduce atmospheric pollution in Turkey. The main objective in doing the present study is to provide an overview of the current status of geothermal energy use in Turkey. The first geothermal heating application was applied in 1981 to Izmir-Balcova thermal facilities, while the first city-based geothermal district heating system has been operated in Balikesir-Gonen since 1987. Recently, the total installed capacity has reached 820 MWt and 20.4 MWe for direct use and power generation, respectively. An annual average of 23% growth of residence connections to geothermal district heating systems has been achieved since 1983 in the country, representing a decrease of 5% in the last 3 years. The total area of the geothermal heated greenhouses exceeded over 50 ha with a heating capacity of 112.5 MWt. Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) have also been put on the Turkish market since 1998, and there are no Turkish GHP manufacturers yet. It may be concluded that geothermal energy has had, or will have, a significant and increasing role in dictating the energy strategies for Turkey.