Hilmi Guler, the Minister of Energy for Turkey, recently made a formal visit to Iceland in order to explore the possibilities of geothermal energy production in Turkey. According to reports by the Turkish news agency Anatolia, Turkey aims to produce 550 MW of power with geothermal energy stations by 2013.

On May 8th, Guler met with President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and experts in the field of geothermal energy production.

According to Guler, the main objective of his visit was to observe developing technologies in renewable energy resources in Iceland including both geothermal and hydrogen energy.

“We have reached an agreement with Iceland on formation of a joint working group of energy between the two countries, transfer of technology, invitation of Icelandic companies to make investments in Turkey and the foundation of joint drilling companies in Turkey,” said Guler.

According to Guler, Turkey has the seventh largest geothermal potential in the world and the most geothermic potential in Europe. There are currently three geothermal power plants in the country, producing a total of 30 MW. Guler believes the country is capable of producing up to 31,500 megawatts and would like to see production expand to 550 MW by 2013.

Guler also met with Ossur Skarphedinsson, the Industry Minister for Iceland.

There are three candidates currently in competition for two vacant seats on the U.N. Security Council. According to U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, all three countries in competition, Iceland, Turkey and Austria, are qualified for the post.

Ban Ki-Moon issued statements from Geneva and New York last week, rejecting allegations that he favoured Austria for the position. It was alleged that he was encouraging member states and U.N. diplomats to support Austria’s application for the Security Council seat.

“The Secretary-General is aware that Austria, Iceland and Turkey are contesting for these two seats for the period 2009-2010. He recognizes that they are all eminently qualified for the seats and he wishes each of them success in their effort to secure the support of member-states of the Organization. As Secretary-General, he does not wish to signify any preference for one over any other,” said a U.N. spokesman.

The U.N. Security Council for 2009-2010 has two vacant seats reserved for Western European countries. The Security Council is comprised of ten non-permanent seats and five permanent seats. The election for the non-permanent seats is scheduled to take place in October 2008.

A message on the website of the Permanent Mission of Iceland to the UN in New York confirmed that “Iceland is a candidate for one of the non-permanent seats allocated to the Western European and Other States Group (WEOG) in the Security Council for the term 2009-2010.”

The statement read: “Iceland is willing and ready to take on an active role for international peace and security by serving on the Security Council.”