OMV has started construction of its 870 MW CCGT power plant in the Black Sea province of Samsun, Turkey. The company is investing Euros 600 million in the plant, which should be able meet around 3.5% of Turkey’s total electricity demand.
Speaking at the ceremony, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz, appealing to environmentalist’s concerned about the energy plant, said there were objectors to all sorts of energy, including renewable energy, but the ministry had to continue with investments due to Turkey’s ever-increasing energy need.
“We do not have the luxury to tell the public that we can have power cuts for two hours a day,” Yildiz said. "Turkey’s annual growth rate in energy, combined with international capital, is around $5.5 billion. We have to make these investments through the private sector in a more liberal and competitive environment.” He also said the total amount of money raised after energy privatisations this year was $16 million.
“Turkey has more than 8,000 kilometers of coastline, which means there is space for tourism, culture and energy projects,” said Yildiz. “However, we cannot give up on energy projects for the sake of others, and I do not think that choosing one means we can ignore the rest.”
The Samsun plant will be the most environmentally friendly power plant in Turkey, according to project leader OMV’s Turkey chief executive officer. It will employ GE 9FB gas turbines, chosen for their high efficiency and low carbon dioxide emission, he said.
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