# Soma Thermal Power Plant operational crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/soma-thermal-power-plant-operational-crisis > Updated: 2026-10-17T22:33:35.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. The Soma Thermal Power Plant in Manisa is facing significant operational and economic instability following its privatization to Konya Şeker (Torku). Political representatives have raised concerns regarding the plant’s management, noting that it has not operated at full capacity, has neglected necessary renewal works such as flue gas filters, and has accumulated substantial debts to Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKİ). These financial and operational issues have led to labor disruptions. Currently, 720 workers have been placed on unpaid leave following the plant’s transition back to TKİ, which reclaimed the facility for approximately 7 billion lira after Torku’s bankruptcy. Lawmakers have questioned the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources regarding the timeline for the handover, the settlement of outstanding wages, and the certainty of future employment. Beyond direct employment, the plant’s instability poses risks to the broader local economy, affecting approximately 13,000 miners, 1,000 transporters, and 12,000 families who rely on the facility for heating. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-17: Erkan Akçay warns of economic risks facing Soma Thermal Power Plant MHP Deputy Erkan Akçay warns that the Soma Thermal Power Plant's production issues and lack of investment threaten the livelihoods of thousands of workers and families in the region. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erkan-akay-warns-of-economic-risks-facing-soma-thermal-power-plant ### 2026-10-13: Soma Thermal Power Plant workers placed on unpaid leave 720 workers at the Soma Thermal Power Plant in Manisa have been placed on unpaid leave following the facility's takeover by TKİ from Torku. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/soma-thermal-power-plant-workers-placed-on-unpaid-leave --- Cite as: Soma Thermal Power Plant operational crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/soma-thermal-power-plant-operational-crisis