Why Is Geothermal Energy Important?
Geothermal energy is a domestic, renewable, and low-carbon energy source obtained from the Earth's internal heat. In addition to electricity generation, it can be used in many different applications, including residential and district heating, greenhouse heating, thermal tourism, industrial processes, and the recovery of strategic minerals.
One of the most important characteristics that distinguishes geothermal energy from other renewable energy sources is its ability to generate energy 24 hours a day, independent of weather conditions. Complementing variable renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, geothermal energy makes a significant contribution to the electricity system as a reliable baseload source thanks to its high capacity factor and continuous generation capability.
Geothermal energy is also a strategic resource in terms of energy security. As a domestic resource, it contributes to reducing dependence on external energy sources, substituting energy imports, and reducing carbon emissions associated with electricity generation.
However, the renewability of geothermal resources depends on their proper and sustainable management. Regular monitoring of reservoir pressure, temperature, production capacity, and fluid chemistry, together with maintaining the balance between production and reinjection, is of critical importance for the long-term sustainability of geothermal resources.
Geothermal energy is not only a resource that meets today's energy needs; when managed properly, it is a strategic natural asset that can be passed on to future generations.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN TÜRKİYE
Thanks to its geological structure and tectonic characteristics, Türkiye is one of the world's important geothermal energy countries. The Büyük Menderes and Gediz grabens and other graben systems, particularly in Western Anatolia, have significant potential for high-temperature geothermal resources. Türkiye's geothermal energy sector has experienced significant growth in recent years. By the end of 2025, Türkiye's installed geothermal electricity capacity had reached 1,758 MWe. As of 2026, the total installed capacity of geothermal power plants in operation is approximately 1,786 MWe. Today, 68 geothermal power plants are operating for electricity generation in Türkiye. In 2025, Türkiye's total electricity generation reached 362.9 TWh, with approximately 3.2% generated from geothermal energy.
Although geothermal energy accounts for approximately 1.4% of Türkiye's total installed electricity capacity, its contribution to electricity generation is higher than its share of installed capacity due to its continuous operation and high capacity factor. This clearly demonstrates the strategic importance of geothermal energy within Türkiye's energy system.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IN TÜRKİYE
Türkiye's installed geothermal electricity capacity has grown significantly in recent years:
• 2010: Approximately 95 MWe
• 2015: Approximately 427 MWe
• 2020: Approximately 1,500 MWe
• 2025: 1,758 MWe
• 2026: Approximately 1,786 MWe
• 2050: Approximately 5,000 MWe
As of the end of July 2026, Türkiye's total installed electricity capacity had reached 126,476 MW. Geothermal energy accounts for approximately 1.4% of total installed electricity capacity. However, thanks to its ability to provide continuous generation, geothermal energy contributes to Türkiye's energy security beyond what its installed capacity alone would suggest.
GEOTHERMAL ENERGY IS MORE THAN JUST ELECTRICITY
The use of geothermal energy is not limited to electricity generation. The total geothermal capacity currently utilized in Türkiye has reached approximately 19,836 MWt.
Geothermal energy is actively used for:
- Electricity generation
- Central and district heating systems
- Residential heating
- Greenhouse heating
- Methanol production from CO2
- Green hydrogen production
- Critical mineral recovery
- Thermal tourism
- Heating of hotels, hospitals, and other buildings
- Industrial processes
In Türkiye, geothermal energy provides a capacity equivalent to meeting the central heating needs of approximately 170,000 homes. In addition, approximately 7,000 decares of greenhouse area are heated using geothermal energy. With these diverse applications, geothermal energy is a versatile resource that contributes directly not only to energy production but also to the agriculture, tourism, urban development, and industrial sectors.
ENHANCED GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS (EGS)
Conventional geothermal systems require a reservoir with sufficient temperature, natural permeability, and fluid availability for economically viable energy production. However, there is a vast potential in areas where high temperatures exist underground but natural permeability or sufficient fluid is limited.
Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) are advanced geothermal technologies designed to recover energy from these high-temperature rock formations with limited natural permeability.
In general, EGS involves:
- Accessing deep, high-temperature rock formations
- Enhancing reservoir permeability through controlled engineering techniques
- Circulating water or another suitable working fluid through the created or enhanced reservoir
- Allowing the fluid to absorb heat from the underground hot rocks
- Bringing the heated fluid to the surface for electricity generation or direct-use applications
EGS technology makes it possible to utilize geothermal energy beyond areas containing conventional hydrothermal resources.
In recent years, advances in horizontal and directional drilling, advanced reservoir characterization, fiber-optic monitoring, microseismic monitoring, advanced well-completion techniques, and controlled stimulation technologies have accelerated the technical and economic development of EGS applications.
THE FUTURE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Next-generation geothermal projects aim to create multiple forms of value from the same resource.
Geothermal fluids may offer opportunities for the recovery of:
- Lithium
- Boron
- Arsenic
- Strontium
- Silica
- Other critical and valuable minerals
The recovery of these resources could position geothermal energy as a strategic sector not only for energy production but also for critical raw materials and the circular economy.
In addition, geothermal resources can be integrated into a wide range of applications, including:
- Low-carbon heat production
- Greenhouse and agricultural applications
- District heating
- Industrial process heat
- Thermal tourism
- Food drying and processing
- Critical mineral recovery
THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF GEOTHERMAL ENERGY FOR TÜRKİYE
Considering Türkiye's growing energy demand, energy security requirements, and low-carbon development targets, geothermal energy is expected to become increasingly important in the future.
Geothermal energy:
Reduces dependence on external energy sources as a domestic resource. Supports energy security through its continuous generation capability. Contributes to the energy transition through its low-carbon characteristics. Can be used not only for electricity generation but also for heating, agriculture, tourism, and industry. Offers the potential to expand energy production to wider areas through Enhanced Geothermal Systems. May enable the recovery of critical minerals from geothermal fluids.
For these reasons, geothermal energy should be regarded not merely as a source of electricity generation, but as an integrated and strategic resource that brings together energy, heat, agriculture, industry, and critical mineral production in Türkiye's energy future.
THE ENERGY OF THE FUTURE LIES BENEATH THE SURFACE
Geothermal energy is one of Türkiye's most strategic domestic resources, capable of providing continuous energy by sustainably utilizing the Earth's natural heat while also contributing to heating, agriculture, industry, and critical mineral production.
With proper reservoir management, advanced technologies, and innovative applications, geothermal energy has the potential to play an even greater role in Türkiye's low-carbon, secure, and sustainable energy future.