Tag: geothermal energy

Eventhough geothermal power plants (GPP) are being constructed to provide energy, their ecological impacts are really high.

Photo of GPP.

Geothermal Power Plants (GPP) and Their Ecological Affects

What is Geothermal Energy?

Geothermal energy is the use of hot water and steam found deep within the Earth’s crust, brought to the surface to generate energy.

How is the Energy Produced?

Hot fluid extracted from deep drilling wells spins turbines and generates electricity.

Ecological Risk

Geothermal fluid may include arsenic, boron and various heavy metals. If this fluid mixes with the environment, it can affect water resources and soil. In addition, the heavy metals and gases in the fluid can cause air pollution.

Earthquake Risk: Geothermal fields are often established near active fault lines. Drilling activities and the injection of fluid underground can, in some cases, trigger micro-earthquakes. This phenomenon is referred to in scientific studies as “induced seismicity.”

Substances Found in GPP Fluids

Arsenic

Mercury

Boron

CO₂

Carbon dioxite

H₂S

Hydrogen sulphur

Chain of Impact of GPP Projects

Drilling

Deep drilling wells opened for geothermal energy can affect underground geology and water ecosystems by mixing chemicals into water. In addition, the discharge of high-temperature wastewater into rivers can alter mineral concentrations.

Groundwater

When geothermal fluid reaches the surface or when reinjection fails, groundwater may become contaminated.

Agriculture

Changes in water quality and chemical impacts on soil reduce agricultural production. Fig orchards and olive groves in the Aegean region are being damaged.

Livestock

The decline in agricultural production affects feed production. Livestock, a main source of livelihood in Kurdish regions, is therefore a sensitive sector.

Village Life

The weakening of agriculture and livestock affects the rural economy. Gases and heavy metals released into the air increase health problems such as cancer. This situation forces villagers to migrate.

Biodiversity

The expansion of plant areas and the discharge of geothermal fluids lead to the fragmentation of natural habitats. Endemic plant and animal species face the danger of extinction.

Geothermal Power Plants on Fault Lines

Geothermal energy fields mostly form along fracture systems and fault lines in the Earth’s crust. These fractures make it easier for underground hot water to reach the surface. A large portion of geothermal power plant (GPP) projects are concentrated along active fault lines in regions with high earthquake risk.

Power plant facilities, pipelines, and generators in high earthquake-risk areas may be damaged or explode. During earthquakes, uncontrolled leakage of geothermal wastewater may occur.

GPP → Soil → Crop yield → Relation of migration

In rural areas, energy projects can affect not only the environment but also the local economy. Considering the forced displacement policies historically experienced in Türkiye—especially in Kurdish regions—economic and social changes can be seen as a result of occupation policies.

GPP Activities
Drilling wells and plant sites spread over large areas.

Soil and Water
Changes in groundwater systems affect agricultural land and food production.

Crop Yield
In Aydın, fig and olive production is at risk. In Kurdish regions, the impact on pasture lands may affect livestock.

Rural migration
Weakening of agriculture and livestock farming can reduce livelihoods and accelerate migration.

How do GPP Projects Progress?

1. Exploration License: Companies apply to provincial governorships or special provincial administrations to obtain a geothermal exploration license.

2. Drilling: Deep wells are opened

3. EIA Progress: An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change.

4. Land Permits: Non-agricultural land-use permits are granted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

5. Expropriation: In some cases, expropriation may be carried out by presidential decree.

6. Plant Installation: Energy production begins.

Where Are GPPs Concentrated in Turkey?

Aegean Reagon: Aydın, Denizli and Manisa host the majority of geothermal power plants in Türkiye.
Central Anatolia: Konya and Nevşehir are also among the regions where exploration licenses are granted.
Kurdish Provinces: In recent years, geothermal exploration projects have come to the agenda around Muş and Bingöl.

How Large is Kızıldere GPP Area?

The Kızıldere geothermal field in Denizli covers approximately 528 hectares. This corresponds to an area roughly equal to 739 football fields. Across Türkiye, there are about 71 geothermal power plants.

GPP Statistics in Turkey

Around 71 geothermal power plant is found across Turkey.
46 of them are located in Aydın.
Kızıldere GPP area is approximately 528 hectares.
The exploration license area in Tokat covers 36,000 hectares.

Geothermal energy projects are met with opposition from local people in many regions. Due to concerns that agricultural land may be damaged, water resources affected, endemic species driven to extinction, and expropriation processes imposed, local people and ecological organizations are carrying out various forms of resistance and legal struggles. For this reason, the question of whether GPP investments truly serve the public interest continues to be debated in some regions.