Expert Dialogue and Study Tour: Unlocking Türkiye’s Geothermal Potential in Izmir and Surrounding Regions

From 16–18 September 2025, the Turkish-German Energy Partnership organised an in-depth expert dialogue and study tour in Izmir and the surrounding regions, in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye, Geothermal Power Plant Investors Association (JESDER) , Geothermal Energy Association (JED ), Izmir Institute of Technology (IYTE), and İzmir Jeotermal AŞ . The programme brought together German and Turkish stakeholders from business, research, and public institutions to explore the full spectrum of Türkiye’s geothermal expertise.

Türkiye’s Geothermal Leadership

Türkiye has been a global pioneer in geothermal energy since the 1970s. Its applications range from electricity generation and district heating to greenhouse cultivation and thermal tourism, making geothermal energy a versatile and strategic component of the country’s renewable energy mix. With abundant geothermal resources – particularly in the Aydın region, where temperatures reach 300°C – Türkiye has now reached an installed capacity of 1.7 GW in geothermal electricity generation..

Highlights of the Study Tour

The first day focused on industrial applications of geothermal energy in the Salihli district of Manisa province. Highlights included:

• Opening meeting at Sanko Enerji GPP: JESDER and Sanko Enerji presented Türkiye’s geothermal foundation, opportunities for technology advancement, and mineral extraction potential (caesium, selenium, lithium).
• Field Visit at Sanko Enerji: The delegation explored one operational plant within Sanko’s portfolio, including NCG reinjection
• Tour of Salihli Municipality District Heating Plant: Demonstrated the urban heating potential of geothermal energy
• Lider Seracılık Greenhouse: A tour of a geothermal-heated greenhouse supplying tomatoes internationally

The second day highlighted research and urban applications:

• An opening meeting at IYTE: Presented by Prof. Alper Baba, offering insights on geothermal potential. IYTE is the only university in Türkiye with a geothermal operating license in Gülbahçe, Urla,
• Laboratory Tour at IYTE: Participants visited advanced labs analysing geothermal gases, waters, and rock samples.
• İzmir Jeotermal AŞ: Introduction and site visit to Türkiye’s largest district heating facility, demonstrating sustainable urban energy applications

The final day showcased private-sector and agricultural applications in the Köşk district of Aydın province:

• Tour of Menderes Energy GPP: Türkiye’s first geothermal power plant, including NCG reinjection facilities.
• Sultan Greenhouse Facility: Demonstrated geothermal-powered greenhouse operations
• Presentations by JED: Overview of Türkiye’s geothermal achievements, including 1.7 GW installed capacity, the distribution of geothermal activity across the country, and leading applications in thermal heating.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

Participants gained first-hand experience of Türkiye’s geothermal electricity, district heating, agricultural, and industrial applications. The tour underscored the potential for mineral extraction, innovative technology needs, and the importance of Turkish-German collaboration in advancing renewable energy solutions. The tour also sparked discussions on potential business opportunities and research collaboration between German and Turkish stakeholders, strengthening partnerships in technology transfer, joint R&D, and future innovation projects.

Germany’s longstanding strength in efficient district heating and Türkiye’s deep expertise in large-scale geothermal development create a highly complementary foundation – reinforcing the potential for impactful future cooperation.