• The Izmir Municipality has demonstrated great leadership in supporting the development of geothermal energy in the region, which is a crucial step in moving towards a more sustainable and renewable energy future.
  • By supporting the RSC Seferihisar Jeotermal Enerji Santrali and other geothermal energy projects in the region, the Izmir Municipality is taking proactive steps to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  • The Izmir Municipality’s support for geothermal energy is not only good for the environment, but it also brings significant economic benefits to the region, including job creation and increased investment in local communities.
  • The RSC Seferihisar Jeotermal Enerji Santrali, which is one of the largest geothermal power plants in Turkey, is a testament to the Izmir Municipality’s commitment to clean energy development and its dedication to improving the lives of its citizens.
  • The Izmir Municipality’s support for geothermal energy is a great example for other municipalities and governments around the world to follow, as we work together to build a more sustainable future for our planet.

Geothermal Energy : Gift of Municipality of Izmir to Balcova Residents

Izmir's district heating system is not only sustainable, but it is also cost-effective. Then cheapest way of heating for public. The system is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Municipality of Izmir, which has ensured that the prices of the heating system remain affordable for all residents. The cost of heating is significantly lower than traditional heating systems, such as natural gas, and the city has been able to reduce its energy bills as a result.

The geothermal potential of Izmir is significant.

The region sits atop the Kizildere geothermal field, which is one of the largest geothermal fields in the world.

The heat generated by this field is utilized to power residential and commercial buildings, as well as industrial facilities.

The use of geothermal energy has significantly reduced the city’s reliance on fossil fuels and has helped to reduce its carbon emissions.

One of the most notable uses of geothermal energy in Izmir is for district heating.

The city has implemented a district heating system that is powered by geothermal energy, which provides heating to over 80,000+ households s if 2022.

The system also supplies hot water to industrial facilities, such as textile factories, which require large amounts of hot water for their production processes.

Izmir, located in the western part of Turkey, is a bustling city that has taken major strides towards sustainability. The city has recognized the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and has implemented various initiatives to achieve this goal.

One of the most significant efforts taken by the city is the utilization of geothermal energy, a renewable source of energy that has played a vital role in the city’s sustainability journey.

Geothermal energy is derived from the earth’s natural heat, which is harnessed through wells that tap into underground hot water and steam reservoirs. In Izmir, first geothermal energy well has been opened in 1996 by govenment agency MTA. After all by 1983 municipality started to provide heating to its residents.

Today, the city has become a leading example of how a city can be powered by Geothermal  Renewable energy.

  • Seferihisar Geothermal Energy Plant

    Seferihisar RSC Geothermal Energy Plant (JES) 12 MW for electricity produciton.

  • Balcova Geothermal Heating Plant

    Balcova, Izmir the oldest geothermal plant with capatiy of approximately 40,000 KE and 25,932 subscribers which means around 80.000+ people.

Balcova Geothermal Heating Plant

Utilizing Balcova-Narlıdere Geothermal Field; heating service is provided to a large part of Balçova district and a portion of Narlıdere district. As of the end of June 2022, the size of the area served by the heating service has reached approximately 40,000 KE and 25,932 subscribers. With this size, it is one of Turkey’s largest and one of the world’s few large-scale regional heating systems.

The history of geothermal activities in the Balçova-Narlıdere field and İzmir Geothermal Inc. occurred as follows:

Historical Development:

  • 1963: The first geothermal drilling in Balçova was opened by MTA.

  • 1983: Balçova Thermal Facilities were heated with a well-interior exchanger system.

  • 1996: The İzmir Balçova Central Heating System was put into operation (similar to Build-Operate-Transfer model).

  • 2000: Balçova Geothermal Ltd. was established.

  • 2005: İzmir Geothermal Energy Ind. and Trade Co. Inc. was established.

  • 2006: The use of heat meters (calorimeters) began for the first time.

  • 2007: Installed capacity reached 24,500 KE.

  • 2008: Installed capacity reached 30,900 KE.

  • 2009: Installed capacity reached 34,100 KE.

  • 2010-2011: Renewal of geothermal energy transmission lines and installation of sub-meters.

  • 2014: Installed capacity reached 49,800 KE.

  • 2017: Installed capacity reached 50,500 KE.

  • 2018-2022: Installation of sub-meters.

Geothermal energy is derived from the earth’s natural heat, which is harnessed through wells that tap into underground hot water and steam reservoirs. In Izmir, first geothermal energy well has been opened in 1996 by govenment agency MTA. After all by 1983 municipality started to provide heating to its residents.

Today, the city has become a leading example of how a city can be powered by Geothermal  Renewable energy.

Seferihisar Geothermal RSC Energy Plant

The RSC Seferihisar Geothermal Power Plant, located in Seferihisar, Izmir, meets the total electricity demand for an average of 14,547 people with its installed power of 12 MW.

RSC Seferihisar Geothermal Power Plant is located in the Kavakdere neighborhood of the Seferihisar district of Izmir.

It is Turkey’s 763rd largest and Izmir’s 54th largest power plant. The facility is also Turkey’s 50th largest geothermal power plant.

With an average production of 52,836,500 kilowatt hours of electricity, the RSC Seferihisar GPP can meet the entire electricity needs of 14,547 people in their daily lives (such as residential, industrial, metro transportation, government offices, and environmental lighting).

When only residential electricity consumption is taken into account, the RSC Seferihisar GPP can produce enough electricity to meet the needs of 17,689 households.

Renewable and Conventional Energy Units of ızmir

Izmir and CO2

The Izmir municipality deserves recognition for its efforts in reducing CO2 emissions. Through various initiatives and policies, Izmir has made significant progress in promoting sustainable practices and reducing its carbon footprint. This commitment to protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is commendable and serves as a model for other cities to follow.

Sustainable Transportation

Izmir has made significant progress in promoting sustainable transportation by prioritizing bicycle infrastructure. Under the leadership of Mayor Tunç Soyer, the city has added over 400 kilometers of bicycle lanes, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in Turkey. These new lanes not only make it easier and safer for people to commute by bicycle, but they also contribute to reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By investing in bicycle infrastructure, Mayor Soyer and the Izmir Municipality have shown their commitment to creating a healthier, more sustainable city for everyone.

Thermal Health

Balcova GeoThermal is a thermal spa and wellness center located in Balcova, a district in the city of Izmir, Turkey. The center is situated in a natural park and is surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful and relaxing environment for visitors. Balcova Thermal is known for its thermal waters, which are rich in minerals and are believed to have therapeutic properties. The center offers a range of thermal baths, including indoor and outdoor pools, as well as private baths and Turkish baths. Balcova Thermal is a popular destination for health tourism, attracting both local and international visitors seeking to improve their health and well-being. The center is open year-round and offers packages for day visits or longer stays.

Seferihisar GeoThermal Caves

Seferihisar is a district located in the Izmir province of Turkey that is known for its natural resources, including thermal springs that are believed to have healing properties. The thermal springs in Seferihisar are rich in minerals and are said to help with various health issues, such as rheumatism, joint pain, skin diseases, and respiratory problems. Seferihisar are located close to the coastline, and the thermal water flows into the sea around Seferihisar, Doganbey, creating a unique blend of warm and cold water. The Doğanbey thermal water caves, located in Seferihisar district of Izmir in Turkey, are a unique natural wonder that attracts many visitors every year. These caves are part of a network of underwater caves that are formed by thermal water flowing out of the mountains and into the sea. The thermal water in the caves is believed to have healing properties due to its high mineral content. This mix of warm and cold water is believed to have beneficial effects on the body, as it can help improve blood circulation, relax the muscles, and relieve joint pain. The thermal water in Seferihisar is also said to have a high mineral content, which can have additional health benefits.

Reinjection

helps to maintain the pressure level in the reservoir. Another important benefit of reinjection is by continuous flushing of the rock matrix by the cooled water, the recoverable energy from the reservoir substantially increases.

Geothermal power

plants largely release only excess steam, with most plants discharging no air or liquid. This makes geothermal power plants a clean source of electricity and an important contributor to the nation's zero-carbon future.

Geothermal energy

is considered one of the most efficient and sustainable types of energy because it's a clean, reliable, and renewable resource. It uses the heat inside the earth's surface to generate electricity and provide heating and cooling.

Geothermal sources

are a renewable energy and will never deplete. Abundant geothermal energy will be available for as long as the Earth exists. It is a renewable energy source from the heat generated by the earth's internal core and is available 7/24/365.