Transformative solar power plant in Türkiye reduces carbon emissions, advances sustainable development goals

The Kalyon Karapınar Solar Power Plant, located in sole desert of Türkiye, is expected to provide power to 2 million households annually while aligning Türkiye with UN SDGs

Situated in the center of the only desert area in Türkiye, the Kalyon Karapınar Solar Power Plant has an area of around 20 million square meters. For comparison, it is about a fourth the size of Paris or 4,489 gridiron fields. Upon its compilation, the facility is expected to provide power to 2 million households annually, marking the most significant advancement for the country’s renewable energy programs and further aligning Türkiye with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Approximately 1.5 million tons of carbon emissions per year are expected to be avoided with the completion of the Kalyon Karapınar Solar Power Plant, reducing the annual carbon emission of Türkiye by 0.3442%, and total greenhouse gas emissions by 0.2589%.

With an astounding 3.5 million solar panels and a total installed capacity of 1,350 MW, this project is expected to dramatically boost Türkiye’s solar energy capacity, boosting it by 20%.

This project stands out for its size as well as its dedication to sustainability. The project’s panels are made at Kalyon PV, the first and only fully integrated solar panel manufacturer in the world. This emphasizes a commitment to regional production and a decrease in the transportation sector’s carbon impact.

Situated in Konya’s Karapınar neighborhood, the Karapınar Solar Power Plant is not only the biggest in Türkiye but also among the biggest and most influential solar energy plants in Europe. The project, which got underway in Jan. 2020, serves as a reflection of Türkiye’s resolve to move away from fossil fuels and toward greener, renewable energy sources.

With 80% of the panels being domestically produced, the project bolsters the local economy by creating approximately 1,000 jobs and fortifies Türkiye’s self-reliance in the renewable energy sector. This strategic move comes as neighboring countries seek to diminish ties with the energy giant Russia, positioning Türkiye as a local frontrunner in embracing renewable energy alternatives.

The project’s driving force, Kalyon Enerji, has made a ground-breaking decision by integrating grazing animals within the solar park, adding to the eco-friendly nature of the facility. Now, the facility is home to around 600 sheep as part of a trial initiative called “Grazing Pilot Application,” which supports the livestock and agricultural industries while also producing renewable energy.

Due to the initiative’s success, talks have begun with the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change with the goal of implementing this concept in more solar power facilities around Türkiye. 

Source: Newsroom