Gönen geothermal discovery to power large-scale greenhouse project

Drilling operations for the Gönen Geothermal Heated Greenhouse Organized Industrial Zone (OTB) in Balıkesir, Turkey, have successfully identified two new geothermal resources. These sources, which feature temperatures of approximately 60 degrees Celsius and a flow rate of 40 liters per second, are expected to provide the necessary heat for year-round greenhouse production.

The project covers an area of approximately 8 million square meters (8,000 decares) and is designed to incorporate high-tech greenhouses, soil-less farming, and facilities for processing, packaging, and storage. By utilizing geothermal energy, the project aims to reduce energy costs and minimize dependence on seasonal weather conditions.

Once fully operational, the initiative is projected to create 10,000 direct jobs, produce 250,000 tons of fresh fruit and vegetables annually, and contribute approximately 20 billion TL to the national economy. Technical testing and engineering studies are ongoing to integrate the geothermal water into the heating systems.