Çeşme residents protest solar plant on Turkish treasury land given to Sabancı and EON

The Turkish Environment, Urbanisation and Climate Change Ministry granted a "ÇED Olumlu" (positive environmental impact) decision on 28 July 2026 for a solar power plant (GES) to be built on about 600 acres of state‑owned land in the Sarnıç area of Çeşme. Approximately 40 % of the land is to be allocated to Sabancı Holding and another 40 % to the German energy company EON through its subsidiary Enerjisa for a 49‑year lease, with an estimated value of roughly $240 million.

Local groups, led by the Çeşme Çevre Derneği (Çeşme Environmental Association), say the project has faced strong community opposition. Public participation meetings were repeatedly blocked, and hundreds of residents expressed that they do not want the development on the site, which is designated as a natural heritage (SİT) area with high tourism potential. The association announced it will pursue legal action, arguing that the ministry ignored the public’s voice and violated participation requirements.