Geothermal Energy-Economy, Potential and Utilization Possibilities in Turkey

In this study, first of all, a general description of geothermal energy has been made and types of geothermal fields have been described. Later on, types of heat transfer within the Earth's crust and also various plate tectonics theories responsible for the geothermal manifestations throughout the world, have been explained. Within this context, Turkey's real geothermal energy capacity, and on the other hand, insufficient present use of this natural source, have been given. Having mentioned the general utilization possibilities of geothermal energy, its use particularly in the fields of electricity generation, greenhouse heating and central district heating in Turkey has been investigated and the problems encountered in these applications have been put forward. Consequently, a practical and economical comparison has been made among different sorts of heating sources and it has been concluded that geothermal energy acts as a clean, cheap and renewable natural source only if it is extracted and utilized prudently and necessary environmental measures are taken beforehand.