Power generation in the shadow of blazes

which started on July 28 FOREST FIRES, in Turkey, have adversely affected tourism, agriculture, livestock, and transportation. Another sector that has been affected is energy.

Blazes around Manavgat damaged two hydroelectric power plants and transmission lines and they couldn’t supply electricity to the national network.

Power stations in Mugla, feeding a large part of Southwest Anatolia, were under wildfire threats. Yatagan, Yenikoy and Kemerkoy Thermal Power Plants, which are important to Turkey’s power generation capacity, are located in the wildfire area.

The battle continued against blazes that approached to within 300-400 meters of the Kemerkoy Thermal Power Plant while Energy and Natural Resources Minister Fatih Donmez was there on a visit. Donmez was expected to make a statement on August 4 at around 3.00-4.00 pm, but blazes started to approach to the power plant again after the wind direction changed.

All plant personnel and nearby residential areas were evacuated, and all flammable and explosive materials were removed on August 4. Firefighters worked throughout the night to put out the blaze, which was largely contained early on August 5. The blaze continued for 11 hours. Minister Donmez said no harmful emissions were detected and no harm was caused to the main plant units. He also confirmed that the fire did not spread to the coal stock area of the plant.

Measures have also been put in place to avoid any fires re-igniting. According to ‘s Donmez’s, ditches over 20 meters were dug around the plant while its hydrogen tanks were emptied.

The Kemerkoy Thermal Power Plant and nearby Yenikoy Thermal Power Plant are operated through a partnership between Limak Enerji and IC Ictas Enerji, which took them over as a result of a privatization tender. IC Ictas executive Firat Cecen and Limak Group official Batuhan •zdemir were also at the plants visited by Donmez.