Geothermal Explorations and Investigations by MTA in Turkey

Abstract

First geothermal exploration & investigations in Turkey started by MTA (General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration of Turkey) in 1960. Upon this, 187 geothermal fields have been discovered by MTA.
The geothermal potential of Turkey is estimated (theoretically) as 31.500 Mwt. The number of wells were drilled by MTA are now 470 the total depth is 212,250 m. the proven geothermal capacity of the wells totally is 3,478 Mwt. Fifteen geothermal fields, all in western Turkey, discovered by MTA are suitable for geothermal power production & they need to be developed. The main uses of geothermal energy in Turkey cover a wide range of applications, such as space heating and domestic hot water supply, greenhouse heating, swimming and balneology, industrial processes and electricity generation.
Based upon the current status, the majority of geothermal applications in Turkey have been realized in district heating systems. In 2008 geothermal researches and explorations increasingly completed about eleven wells with the total depth 16,500 m in ten geothermal fields and the proven geothermal capacity is 150 Mwt as MTA activities.
Law on Geothermal Resources and Natural Mineral Water and its regulation has been enacted on 13 June 2007 with contribution of MTA. The purpose of this law is to set forth the procedures and principles regarding effective exploration, research, development, production and protection of geothermal and natural mineral water resources, holding rights on these resources and devolution of the rights, economic utilization of the resources in a compatible way to the environment, and abandonment of these resources.