Environmental impact of geothermal power plants in Aydın, Turkey

Abstract

Abstract. Geothermal energy is classified as a clean and sustainable energy source, like all industrial activities, geothermal energy power plants (GEPP) technology has also some positive and negative effects on the environment. In this paper are presented by attent not only on environmental impacts of GEPP onto Büyük Menderes River and fresh water sources, which ere used for irrigation of agricultural fields from tousands of years in basin, but also on water quality contents like heavy metals and gases emition due to drilling and electricity producing technology of GEPP's. Aydın province is located in the southwestern part of the region and its city center has around 300000 population. The high geothermal potential of this region became from geographical location, which is held on active tectonic Alpine-Himalaya Orogen belt with active volcanoes and young faults. Since 1980's to 2016 there is about 70.97% (662.75 MW) of installed capacity by according to the Mineral Research and Exploration General Directorate, there are totally 290 well licensed (540 explore licenses and 76 business licenses), and 31 geothermal powerplants purposely installed. Topic is important because of number of GEPP increased rapidly after 2012 to now a days to 36 in whole basin.

A Research on Sustainability of a Geothermal Energy Resource in Kırklareli City

“…Moreover, Yılmaz and Kaptan [28] pointed out the adverse environmental effects of geothermal plants, especially Boron toxicity, heavy metals, and microclimatic changes due to the downhole fluid generated during the drilling, stimulation, and production phases. The main environmental problems were mentioned as the poisoning of both surface and groundwater, and harming the local vegetation in the study.…”

Geothermal energy extraction using abandoned oil and gas wells:Techno‐economicand policy review

“…These released gasses may include hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and boron. Yilmaz and Kaptan 172 reported the increasing problem of boron toxicity in the soil of Aydın region where geothermal power plant is in operation. In addition, they highlighted heavy metals released and pollution due to the operation of geothermal power plant.…”

Life Cycle Assessment and Techno-Economic Assessment of Lithium Recovery from Geothermal Brine

“…Some studies estimate water consumption around 500 000 gallons per ton of lithium extracted. The toxic releases are mainly in the form of hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, which can be traced back to waste storage ponds, evaporative basins, tailing piles, and other mining-related features owing to the large amount of acid used in the process. , In addition, production of conventional lithium compounds from salar brines consumes fossil fuels in thickening and drying processes …”