29 power plants to be privatised in Turkey by 2020

• 9 years ago (2015-06-25)
• David Flin

Europe 1089 Middle East 326

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The Turkish government has announced that it plans to privatise 29 hydroelectric and gas turbine power plants. These plants are from the Turkish Electricity Generation Corporation (EUAS) and Turkey’s state-run oil company TPAO’s oil distribution unit, TP Petrol Dagitim. The Turkish Electromechanics Industry (TEMSAM), which deals with the production, establishment, operation, and maintenance services of energy installations, is also due to be privatised.

The official statement said that the privatisations are due to be completed by 2020. EUAS’s power rights will be privatised upon the transfer of assets or operating rights.

Taner Yildiz, the Turkish Energy Minister, said that the largest hydropower plants will not be included in the privatisation plan, even though investors have offered up to $20 billion to buy one of them.

In 2014, a number of thermal and hydroelectric power plants were privatised, mainly attracting local investors. According to data from the Energy Ministry, at the end of 2014, the share of energy in Turkey produced by the private sector reached 72 per cent, up from 57 per cent.