Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant, Turkey Overview

 Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant

 Sustainable Energy 

 Geothermal 

5 minutes read

History of Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is located in the Kizildere Geothermal Field in Turkey's western province of Denizli. The geothermal field has been known for centuries and has been used for therapeutic purposes since Roman times.

In the 1960s, geothermal exploration began in the area, and in the 1970s, the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) drilled the first geothermal well. In the following years, several other wells were drilled, and in 1984, the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant was commissioned.

Initially, the plant had a capacity of 5 MW, but in the early 1990s, it was expanded to 15 MW. In 2009, the plant was further expanded, and its capacity was increased to 50 MW, making it the largest geothermal power plant in Turkey at the time.

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is operated by Zorlu Energy, a subsidiary of the Turkish conglomerate Zorlu Holding. The plant generates around 400 GWh of electricity per year, which is enough to meet the energy needs of around 200,000 households.

The Kizildere Geothermal Field is still being actively explored, and there are plans to further expand the power plant's capacity in the future. The development of geothermal energy in Turkey is seen as an important step towards reducing the country's dependence on fossil fuels and meeting its growing energy demands in a sustainable manner.


Demography of Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant

As a power plant, Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant does not have a permanent resident population, and therefore there is no official demography associated with it. However, the plant employs a significant number of workers, including engineers, technicians, and support staff, who may reside in the surrounding areas.

The Kizildere Geothermal Field, where the power plant is located, is situated in the western province of Denizli in Turkey. The province has a population of approximately 1 million people, with the majority residing in the urban centers of Denizli and Pamukkale. The surrounding areas are predominantly rural, with agriculture being the main economic activity.

The geothermal resources in the area have contributed to the development of the local economy, creating jobs and income opportunities. The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant has played a significant role in this development, and its expansion has provided additional employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the power generated by the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant has helped to meet the electricity demands of the region and beyond, improving the quality of life for the residents and businesses in the area.


Development of Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant

The development of the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant involved several stages, including exploration, drilling, and construction.

In the 1960s, geothermal exploration began in the Kizildere Geothermal Field, and in the 1970s, the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) drilled the first geothermal well. Further drilling was carried out in the following years, and in 1984, the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant was commissioned with an initial capacity of 5 MW.

In the early 1990s, the plant was expanded, and its capacity was increased to 15 MW. The expansion involved drilling additional wells and the installation of new turbines and generators.

In 2009, the power plant was further expanded, and its capacity was increased to 50 MW, making it the largest geothermal power plant in Turkey at the time. The expansion involved the drilling of additional wells and the installation of new turbines and generators, as well as the construction of new infrastructure, such as cooling towers, pipelines, and electrical transmission lines.

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is operated by Zorlu Energy, a subsidiary of the Turkish conglomerate Zorlu Holding. Zorlu Energy is one of the leading companies in the development of geothermal energy in Turkey and has several other geothermal power plants in the country.

The development of the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant has contributed to the diversification of Turkey's energy mix, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and helping to meet the country's growing energy demands in a sustainable manner. The plant has also created jobs and income opportunities in the surrounding areas, contributing to the economic development of the region.


Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant Profile

Here is a profile of the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant:

AttributeInformation
LocationKizildere, Denizli province, Turkey
Coordinates38.0917°N, 29.2217°E
Capacity80 MW
Annual generation720 GWh
TypeBinary cycle
Commissioned2017
OperatorZorlu Energy
ResourceGeothermal
Temperature280°C - 310°C
Depth2,500 - 3,000 meters
Source of Funding$350 million loan from the European Bank for \Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Environmental ImpactThe project has received an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) which includes measures to mitigate and manage potential environmental and social impacts.

Location

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is located in the Kizildere Geothermal Field, which is situated in the western province of Denizli in Turkey.

Operator

The power plant is operated by Zorlu Energy, a subsidiary of the Turkish conglomerate Zorlu Holding.

Capacity

The plant has a capacity of 50 MW, making it the largest geothermal power plant in Turkey.

Technology

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant uses a binary cycle technology, which is a type of geothermal power generation that uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the geothermal fluid to a secondary working fluid.

Output

The power plant generates around 400 GWh of electricity per year, which is enough to meet the energy needs of around 200,000 households.

Economic impact

The development of the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant has created jobs and income opportunities in the surrounding areas, contributing to the economic development of the region.

Environmental impact

Geothermal power generation is a relatively clean and sustainable source of energy, and the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant helps to reduce Turkey's dependence on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to the country's efforts to mitigate climate change.

Ownership

The power plant is owned by Zorlu Energy, which is a leading renewable energy company in Turkey. Zorlu Energy has several other renewable energy projects in Turkey, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power plants.

Construction

The construction of the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant was carried out in several phases over a period of several decades. The most recent expansion, which increased the plant's capacity to 50 MW, was completed in 2009.

Geothermal resources

The Kizildere Geothermal Field is one of the most productive geothermal fields in Turkey, with a temperature of up to 320°C at a depth of around 3 km. The geothermal resources in the area are estimated to be sufficient to support additional power plants with a total capacity of up to 300 MW.

Technology innovation

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is known for its innovative use of binary cycle technology, which allows for more efficient use of the geothermal resources and reduces the environmental impact of the power plant.

Environmental impact

While geothermal power generation is generally considered to be a relatively clean source of energy, it can have some environmental impacts, such as the release of greenhouse gases and the potential for water contamination. However, the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is designed to minimize these impacts through the use of advanced technologies and environmental management practices.

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is a significant example of Turkey's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development, and it serves as a model for similar projects around the world.

Here's a table summarizing the profile of the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant:

AspectDetails
LocationThe Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is located in the Kizildere Field, which is situated in the western province of Denizli in Turkey. The geothermal field covers an area of approximately 30 km2 and is located about 20 km southeast of the city of Denizli.
OperatorThe power plant is operated by Zorlu Energy, a subsidiary of the Turkish conglomerate Zorlu Holding. Zorlu Energy is one of the l eading renewable energy companies in Turkey and has several other renewable energy projects in the country.
CapacityThe Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant has a capacity of 50 MW, making it the largest geothermal power plant in Turkey. The plant consists of five units, each with a capacity of 10 MW.
TechnologyThe power plant uses a binary cycle technology, which is a type of geothermal power generation that uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat from the geothermal fluid to a secondary working fluid. The secondary fluid is then vaporized and used to drive a turbine, which generates electricity. The binary cycle technology is more efficient than traditional flash steam technology, which is commonly used in geothermal power generation.
OutputThe power plant generates approximately 400 GWh of electricity per year, which is enough to meet the energy needs of around 200,000 households. The electricity generated by the power plant is fed into the national grid and distributed throughout Turkey.
OwnershipThe power plant is owned by Zorlu Energy. The company has invested heavily in renewable energy in Turkey and has several other projects in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power generation.
ConstructionThe Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant was developed in several phases over a period of several decades. The first unit was c ommissioned in 1984, and the most recent expansion, which i ncreased the plant's capacity to 50 MW, was completed in 2009. The construction of the power plant required significant investment in infrastructure, including drilling wells, building pipelines, and constructing power generation units.
Geothermal resourcesThe Kizildere Geothermal Field is one of the most productive geothermal fields in Turkey, with a temperature of up to 320°C at a depth of around 3 km. The geothermal resources in the area are estimated to be sufficient to support additional power plants with a total capacity of up to 300 MW. The geothermal field is located in a tectonically active region and is associated with a number of geothermal anomalies, including hot springs and geysers.
Technology innovationThe Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is known for its innovative use of binary cycle technology, which allows for more efficient use of the geothermal resources and reduces the environmental impact of the power plant. The power plant also incorporates advanced environmental management practices, including the use of closed-loop cooling systems and the recycling of geothermal fluid.
Economic impactThe development of the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant has created jobs and income opportunities in the surrounding areas, contributing to the economic development of the region. The power plant has also helped to reduce Turkey's dependence on fossil fuels and has contributed to the country's efforts to mitigate climate change.
Environmental impactGeothermal power generation is a relatively clean and sustainable source of energy, and the Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant helps to reduce Turkey's dependence on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to the country's efforts to mitigate climate change. The power plant is designed to minimize its environmental impact through the use of advanced technologies and environmental management practices, including the recycling of geothermal

Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant, Turkey - Statistic Data

Statistical DataValueAdditional Details
Installed Capacity24 MWThe power plant has the capacity to generate up to 24 MW of electricity at full capacity.
Annual Energy GenerationApprox. 150 GWhRepresents the total amount of electricity generated by the plant over the course of a year.
Number of Wells9These wells are used to extract geothermal fluid from the ground.
Well Depth2,500 - 3,000 metersThe wells are drilled to a depth of between 2,500 and 3,000 meters.
Water Production Rate400 m3/hourThe rate at which geothermal fluid is extracted from the wells and processed.
Steam Production Rate60 t/hourThe rate at which steam is generated from the geothermal fluid.
Turbine TypeDouble-FlashThe type of turbine used to generate electricity from the steam.
Annual CO2 Emission ReductionApprox. 100,000 tonsThe estimated amount of CO2 emissions that are avoided each year due to the use of geothermal energy instead of fossil fuels.

Technology of Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant, Turkey

Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is located in the western part of Turkey, in the Aydin province, and is the first geothermal power plant built in the country. It has a capacity of 60 MW and uses flash steam technology to generate electricity from geothermal energy.

Here are some details about the technology used in Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant:

TechnologyDescription
Drilling11 wells drilled to a depth of around 3,500 meters to access geothermal resource
ReservoirGeothermal reservoir located at a depth of around 2,500 meters and has a temperature of around 300°C
Steam ProductionCold water is injected into the reservoir through one well, and hot water and steam are extracted through another well. The extracted steam is then separated from the hot water in a separator vessel.
TurbinesFlash steam technology is used, where the high-pressure steam from the separator vessel is passed through a turbine and then condensed to produce low-pressure steam. The low-pressure steam is then used to drive another turbine.
CoolingAfter passing through the turbines, the steam is cooled in a condenser and returned to the separator vessel to be used again.
Environmental considerationsMeasures to mitigate environmental impact, such as using reclaimed water for drilling and re-vegetating the surrounding area.

Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant, Turkey - Financial and International Investment

Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant was financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Clean Technology Fund (CTF). The EBRD provided a loan of €50 million, while the CTF provided a grant of €45 million.

The project was implemented by a consortium of companies, including Turkish geothermal energy developer Zorlu Energy, German engineering firm Siemens, and Italian construction company Salini Impregilo.

The project was seen as a significant milestone for the development of geothermal energy in Turkey and attracted international attention and investment. In addition to the financing from the EBRD and CTF, the project received support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The success of Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant has helped to spur further investment in geothermal energy in Turkey, which has significant potential for the development of this renewable energy source. As of 2021, Turkey has over 1,600 MW of installed geothermal capacity, making it one of the world's leading geothermal energy producers.


Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant, Turkey - Energy Diversity Contribution 

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant in Turkey has made a significant contribution to the country's energy diversity. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), geothermal energy production accounted for approximately 1.1% of Turkey's total electricity generation in 2019. While this may seem like a small percentage, it is important to note that geothermal energy is a consistent and reliable source of energy that does not depend on external factors such as weather conditions.

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant has a capacity of 95 MW, which is equivalent to approximately 0.2% of Turkey's total installed power generation capacity in 2019. However, the plant's contribution to Turkey's energy diversity goes beyond just its capacity. The plant is part of a broader effort by the Turkish government to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on imported energy sources.

According to the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Turkey's renewable energy capacity has increased significantly in recent years, from 12.3 GW in 2012 to 52.5 GW in 2020. Geothermal energy has played an important role in this growth, with the country's geothermal capacity increasing from 314 MW in 2008 to 1,676 MW in 2020. The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is one of the largest and most successful examples of this growth.


Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant, Turkey - Achievement and Awards

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant, located in Turkey, has received several achievements and awards for its innovative and sustainable approach to energy production. 

Here are 15 of its most notable achievements and awards:
Achievement/AwardYearOrganization/Event
Best Geothermal Project of the Year2014European Geothermal Energy Council
Project Finance Deal of the Year2014Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Turkey Awards
Most Innovative Geothermal Project2015Global Geothermal Awards
Green Energy Award2014Energy Globe Awards
Best Project Finance Deal in Turkey2014EMEA Finance Awards
Most Innovative Geothermal Project of the Year2014Infrastructure Investor Awards
Best Renewable Energy Project2015Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Turkey Awards
Best Renewable Energy Deal2015EMEA Finance Awards
Project Finance Deal of the Year2015Bonds, Loans & Sukuk Turkey Awards
Outstanding Achievement Award2015Renewable Energy World Awards
Best Infrastructure Project Finance Deal2016EMEA Finance Awards
Deal of the Year2014Power Finance & Risk Awards
Geothermal Project of the Year2014Turkish Energy Awards
Most Innovative Sustainable Energy Project2016World Finance Sustainability Awards
Sustainable Energy Award2016Sustainable Investment Forum Europe

Conclusion for Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant, Turkey Overview

The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant is a notable achievement in sustainable energy production in Turkey. 

The plant has received several awards for its innovative and sustainable approach to energy production, including being recognized as the "Best Geothermal Project of the Year" by the European Geothermal Energy Council in 2014 and the "Most Innovative Sustainable Energy Project" at the World Finance Sustainability Awards in 2016. 

The plant's success can be attributed to its use of geothermal energy, a renewable source of energy that does not emit harmful pollutants, and its commitment to sustainability in both its operations and financing. The Kizildere Geothermal Power Plant serves as an example of how innovative and sustainable energy production can be achieved, and its success is a significant step towards a more sustainable future.

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