Review of Geothermal Energy Development in Türkiye: Resources, Technologies, and Future Pathways

Abstract

Turkey is among the world's top five countries in installed geothermal capacity and has a history of over four decades of research, exploration and project development. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the historical development of the industry, its current status and future prospects, demonstrating how geology, technology and policy have combined to transform the industry from early hydrothermal applications in western Anatolia to the present day power generation and direct use applications, and key geothermal regions in the country are reviewed, including the Menderes and Gediz grabens, Tuzla and Kızıldere fields and newly explored regions in Central and Eastern Anatolia. Main factors guiding development strategies are discussed, including reservoir type, fluid chemistry and thermal gradient, while technological developments, including binary cycle power plants, reinjection practices, and approaches to manage scaling and corrosion, supported by domestic R&D and international partnerships, are also reviewed. Furthermore, policy and market aspects are discussed, including feed-in tariffs, exploration licenses and incentives provided by the Renewable Energy Law, and a ing comparison with other global leaders highlights that a vertically integrated geothermal industry is a key advantage in Turkey, but long-term reservoir sustainability, induced seismicity and environmental management remain challenges. Consequently, future opportunities are highlighted in hybrid systems, such as geothermal/solar and geothermal/hydrogen, as well as the expansion of direct use in agriculture and district heating, and the exploration of deeper, higher-enthalpy resources. The paper concludes by discussing research and policy priorities that would support Turkey in consolidating its leadership in geothermal innovation and in progressing toward a sustainable energy transition.