Turkey's Major Lignite Fields and Significance of Lignite for Energy Necessity

Abstract

The objective of this study is to determine the lignite use for Turkey's energy necessity. Lignite is the most important energy resource of Turkey when compared with others according to the amount of reserves. Lignite is the dominant source of energy produced (43%) in Turkey. Lignite deposits are encountered in almost every region of Turkey. Total lignite reserves are estimated at 8,375 million tons, of which 7,340 million tons (88%) is economically feasible. Share of lignite reserves of Turkey are 2% in the world. Lignite deposits are encountered in almost every region of Turkey. Afsin-Elbistan, Mugla, Soma, Tuncbilek, Seyitomer, Beypazari and Sivas basins constitutes the most important known lignite reserves. The biggest lignite deposits, 40% of the total, are in Afsin-Elbistan. Lignite extraction is expected to increase as the government feels pressure to close down unprofitable hard coal mines that are geologically difficult, increasing the cost of extraction.

Keywords:

• lignite fields
• lignite for electricity
• lignite reserves
• studies of Turkish researchers

Notes

^a Figures are rounded to one significant figure.

^b Weighted average is based on the lignite consumption rate (tons/h) in the thermal power plants.