FIELD RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN GEOTHERMAL ENERGY POLICIES: THE CASE OF AYDIN PROVINCE

Abstract

Geothermal energy is one of the most preferred types of renewable energy sources.  Advantages such as being environmentally friendly, generating electricity or using heat directly are the most important factors in choosing it. Although it is defined as environmentally friendly energy, one of the most important obstacles to the development of geothermal energy use is environmental concerns.  There is always the possibility that human activities during the installation and operation of geothermal power plants will affect the environment.

             Turkey is a country with rich geothermal resources.  Geothermal energy is a type of resource that is environmentally friendly, sustainable and has been highly preferred in recent times in terms of its contribution to the country's economy.  These resources are primarily used in electrical energy production, health tourism through thermal facilities, agriculture and residential heating.

            The scope of the study was limited to Aydın province, in order to investigate the effects of geothermal power plants, the number of which has increased rapidly in Turkey and especially in Aydın province, on the environment and agricultural products specific to the region, and to reveal whether these power plants are adequately inspected by local administration.  According to current data as of September 2023, a total of 63 geothermal power plants (GPPs) are in operation in Turkey for the purpose of electrical energy production.  Aydın province ranks first with 32 GPPs.  In the research, semi-structured interviews were held with some institutions and non-governmental organizations that have carried out studies on geothermal energy, including the municipalities in Aydın province.  Participants were determined by purposeful sampling, and content analysis was conducted using the phenomenological design.

Keywords: Renewable Energy, Geothermal Power Plants, Local Administrations, Audit, Environmental Impacts

JEL-Classification: Q25, Q28, Q48