JESDER Chairman: ‘Geothermal energy contributes to Türkiye’s energy independence’

Ufuk Sentürk, Chairman of the Board of JESDER

In an interview with a local newspaper, Ufuk Sentürk, Chairman of the Geothermal Power Plant Investors Association (JESDER) of Türkiye, stated that geothermal energy contributes to Türkiyes energy independence and sustainable development goals. He announced their aim to fully utilize the sector’s current potential.

According to Sentürk, Türkiye’s installed geothermal capacity has reached 1,726 MWe over 40 years. In 2023, these plants generated a total of 11,000 GWh of electricity, accounting for 4% of the country’s total energy production. Geothermal energy also helped prevent $500 million worth of natural gas imports.

$1.2 billion economic impact in 2023

In the first 10 months of 2024, geothermal energy production accounted for 3.2% of total energy generation, generating $1 billion in revenue. By the end of the year, this figure is expected to reach the 2023 level of $1.2 billion.

Sentürk noted that a total of $5 billion has been invested in Türkiye’s geothermal energy sector to date. He emphasized the sector’s use of up to 70% locally produced equipment, low land requirements, and contributions to local employment. Sentürk highlighted geothermal energy’s critical role in reducing energy dependency due to its ability to provide uninterrupted power generation.

Geothermal energy is not limited to electricity production alone. According to JESDER data:

• 165,500 homes are heated with geothermal resources,
• 700 hectares of greenhouse areas are supported,
• 18,000 hectares of agricultural specialty zones are under development,
• An annual capacity of 5,000 tons of fruit and vegetable drying is provided.

Expressing their desire to further capitalize on the sector’s potential, Sentürk said: “Geothermal energy not only contributes to the local economy but also plays a strategic role in achieving our country’s energy independence. With our goal of full capacity utilization, we will seize every opportunity in this area.”

Source: Nazilli Havadis via our Turkish language platform JeotermalHaberler