In 2023, Türkiye endured a devastating earthquake that tested the resilience of its infrastructure and underscored the nation’s seismic vulnerability, as the Anatolian Peninsula is among the most tectonically active regions in the world. This geographic reality presents both significant challenges and distinct opportunities for Türkiye’s energy sector, particularly geothermal energy. While proximity to tectonic plate boundaries can trigger catastrophic natural events, it also positions Türkiye advantageously in terms of geothermal potential. The geothermal reservoirs beneath the country’s surface are a byproduct of the same tectonic activity that makes the region earthquake-prone, providing an abundant baseload energy source that could play a key role in diversifying the national energy mix and sustainably meeting energy demand. This duality of risk and opportunity has catalyzed efforts to harness Türkiye’s substantial geothermal potential. The sector’s advancement has been marked by continuous reforms in legislative frameworks, market liberalization, technological efficiency, and financing schemes. Türkiye is the leading geothermal electricity generator in the Middle East and a global front-runner in the sector. With 1.7 gigawatts electrical (GWe) of installed geothermal capacity, Türkiye ranked fourth globally in geothermal electricity generation as of 2024.
