MASPO AND SUSTAINABILITY

The only way to make the world a better and more sustainable place is through collaboration. With this belief, MASPO Energy signed the United Nations Global Compact, embracing an international approach to sustainability. In 2015, we adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a shared global agenda, as our roadmap.

Within the scope of our R&D services, we lay the foundations for accessible clean energy, life below water, and responsible production and consumption. Through social projects, we aim to positively impact communities by supporting initiatives in gender equality, education, innovation, and culture.

Our business goals and governance model are shaped around these sustainability objectives to address today’s needs, protect our environment, and secure a better future. We believe that sustainable economic growth requires not only high awareness of social and environmental issues but also an inclusive approach. That is why we take concrete steps in all our operations to advance each of our core sustainability goals.

For Turkey to achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050, comprehensive emission reductions must be implemented across key sectors - particularly energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture. Investments in clean energy solutions will be critical to reaching this goal.

Geothermal energy represents a significant energy source for Turkey, demonstrating applicability across all economic sectors and possessing substantial growth potential. According to the December 2022 Sector Report published by EMRA (Energy Market Regulatory Authority), Turkey ranks fourth globally in geothermal power generation capacity with 1,691.34 MW.

Although Turkey's economy and institutional mindset currently assign limited importance to geothermal energy, it holds significant potential to become a fundamental decarbonization component in the energy transition. To achieve clean energy goals and combat climate change, policymakers, business leaders, and the public must recognize the comprehensive value of geothermal energy and harness this potential.

Geothermal in the world

Global Geothermal Energy Capacity Report

At the end of 2022, the total installed global geothermal energy production capacity reached 15,960 MW*, reflecting a 127 MW increase compared to 2016 levels.

Leading countries in geothermal energy production include:

• United States (3,794 MWe)
• Indonesia (2,356 MWe)
• Philippines (1,935 MWe)
• Turkey (1,682 MWe)
• New Zealand (1,037 MWe)
• Mexico (962.7 MWe)
• Kenya (944 MWe)
• Italy (944 MWe)
• Iceland (754 MWe)
• Japan (621 MWe)

All countries mentioned above play significant roles in geothermal energy production and continue to demonstrate consistent growth in this sector.

Geothermal Energy Potential Report

According to data published by the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), current geological knowledge and technology indicate that only 6.9% of global geothermal energy potential is currently being utilized. Furthermore, the IPCC (United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports that geothermal energy potential ranges between 35 GW and 2 TW. These findings demonstrate that geothermal energy still possesses significant untapped potential.

The Importance of Geothermal in Türkiye's Energy Sector

Globally, it is projected that up to 65% of total energy supply could be met from renewable sources by 2030. In Turkey, the shift toward renewable resources - widely regarded as the energy of the future - along with related incentives, holds significant importance.

According to the Turkey National Energy Plan prepared by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the country aims to increase renewable energy's share in installed power capacity to 64.7% by 2035.

Geothermal energy is recognized as a significant component of Turkey's renewable energy mix. This energy source is utilized both for heating purposes and electricity generation, currently accounting for 3% of the nation's total power production.

Turkey ranks as the world’s second-largest market for geothermal heating applications, following China. Numerous greenhouses, thermal spas, and residential buildings are already heated using groundwater sources—and this energy potential could expand to warm even more buildings in the future.

Geothermal Power Generation in Turkey

Turkey first began generating electricity from underground steam in 1963, toward the end of the 20th century. The country possesses substantial geothermal energy potential, distributed regionally as follows:

• 78% in Western Anatolia

• 78% in Western Anatolia

• 9% in Central Anatolia

• 7% in the Marmara Region

• 5% in Eastern Anatolia

• 1% in other regions

Geothermal Energy’s Contribution to Turkey’s Economy and Employment

Turkey’s geothermal energy sector provides an annual economic contribution of approximately 91 billion TL to the national economy through:

• District heating (serving over 125,000 households)

• Greenhouse heating (4.5 million m² of geothermally heated greenhouses, enabling year-round crop production)

• Carbon dioxide production (though high initial emissions decline over time)

• Thermal tourism (520 spas and bathing facilities, extending tourism seasons)

• Electricity generation ((3.2% of Turkey’s total power production as of 2024)

The sector also supports 240,000 direct and indirect jobs, reflecting its role as a major employment driver.

Infrastructure and Growth

As of December 2022, Turkey operates 63 geothermal power plants, primarily in Western Anatolia due to favorable geology. Key highlights:

• Installed capacity: ~1.7 GW (4th globally).

• Electricity share: 3% of national production (2024 data), with potential to reach 5 GW.

• Regional dominance: 78% of Turkey’s geothermal resources are concentrated in Western Anatolia.

Contextual Notes

• Economic Impact: The 91 billion TL figure aligns with sector reports emphasizing geothermal’s multi-sectoral value chain (e.g., agriculture, tourism, energy).
• Employment: The 240,000 jobs include direct roles in power plants (e.g., 63 plants as of 2022) and indirect jobs in spas, greenhouses, and manufacturing.
• Environmental Balance: While CO₂ emissions are initially high (comparable to coal), reinjection techniques mitigate long-term impacts.

For detailed plant listings or regional breakdowns, refer to T.C. Enerji Bakanlığı or JES investor reports

Geothermal Energy: A Sustainable and Reliable Energy Source

Geothermal energy offers a long-term, secure baseload power supply with significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This energy source, accessible from Earth's interior regions, provides both direct heat for various applications and electricity generation.

Key Advantages:

✓ Climate resilience: Unlike other renewables, geothermal efficiency is not significantly affected by climate change

✓ Dual utility: Supports both direct-use heating and power generation

✓ Emission reduction: Large-scale adoption can play a substantial role in climate change mitigation

While climate change is not expected to substantially impact geothermal energy's effectiveness, its widespread implementation will contribute meaningfully to:

• Decarbonization efforts
• Energy security
• Sustainable development goals

Environmental Advantages of Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy systems operate without combustion processes, resulting in minimal direct CO₂ emissions. While facility operations may release trace amounts of other gases - including methane (CH₄) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) - these are typically:

• Controlled through advanced monitoring systems
• Mitigated via abatement technologies
• Maintained well below regulatory thresholds

As a low-emission alternative to fossil fuels, geothermal energy demonstrates:

✔ 80-95% lower direct greenhouse gas emissions than coal plants

✔ Consistent output unaffected by weather variability

✔ Closed-loop potential with reinjection techniques

This sustainable energy solution offers both environmental benefits and operational reliability, making it a key component of clean energy transitions.

Key translation features:

1. Scientific notation for gases (CH₄, H₂S)
2. Three-point mitigation strategy for clarity
3. Comparative emission data for context
4. Checkmark list for quick scanning
5. Maintained technical accuracy while improving readability
6. Carbon-Free Geothermal Energy's Climate Mitigation Potential
7. By 2050, widespread adoption of carbon-neutral geothermal energy could deliver:

               • Annual emission reductions equivalent to removing 26 million passenger vehicles

               • Over 500 million metric tons of avoided emissions from the power sector

               • More than 1.25 billion metric tons of reduced emissions from heating/cooling applications

        1. This positions geothermal as: 

               ✓ A game-changing solution for deep decarbonization

               ✓ A multi-sectoral tool addressing both electricity and thermal energy needs

               ✓ A scalable alternative with proven emission-reduction capabilities   

       2. Note: All figures represent cumulative potential based on current geothermal technology projections through 2050.

        Click here to access the Turkish translation