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.
“Turkey aims to produce 550 MW of power with geothermal energy stations by 2013”
Ambitious? Yes! But doable and would mean so much to Turkey. Acquiring the knowledge is only the beginning. Can the country make it happen on the production side?
Time will tell.
– J
Well, both countries, Iceland and Turkey will definitely benefit from this project. Hope other countries will follow their example.