Geothermal Development Potential in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey is located in the Mediterranean Sector of the Alpine-Himalayan Tectonic Belt which has an important geothermal potential. In Turkey, there are approximately 170 geothermal fields with temperatures ranging from 20 to 240 "C at economic depth, associated with about 1000 thermal springs. Research and drillings carried out by General Directorate of MTA has significantly increased the proven potential of these thermal resources. As a result of the exploration and development studies, a pilot electrical power plant (20.4 MWe) was installed in Denizli-Kizildere field in 1984. In addition, important developments have been made in direct use applications of geothermal energy, with a total installed capacity of 867 MWt, consisting of greenhouses (a total of about 500000m2 floor space), space heating for about 57000 dwelling units, and balneological utilization at 195 spas. These utilization schemes are operated by governorships, municipalities and their companies, and private sector. Since the geothermal sources are considered clean, cheap and renewable, there are expectations for more widespread applications all around the country in the near future.