Hunutlu Imported Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant: A Technical, Economic, And Environmental Assessment – OpEd
This article examines the technical specifications, investment structure, environmental impacts, and financial feasibility of the Adana Hunutlu Thermal Power Plant, one of Turkey’s largest imported coal-fired power plants. The project, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, represents the largest direct energy investment by China in Turkey. The plant operates using supercritical technology and generates approximately 10 TWh of electricity annually.
1. Introduction
Turkey’s electricity generation has long been shaped by resource diversification. Since 2010, the number of imported coal-fired thermal power plants has increased, with high-capacity plants becoming a priority. The Hunutlu Thermal Power Plant, located in Adana’s Yumurtalık district, is a concrete example of this policy.
2. Plant Description and Technical Specifications
The Adana Hunutlu Thermal Power Plant has a total installed capacity of 1320 MW, comprising two each 660 MW units. It employs supercritical pulverized coal (PC) boilers, operating at approximately 25 MPa pressure and 600°C steam temperature. The turbines are tandem-compound, with high, medium, and low-pressure stages.
Table 1 – Key Technical Data:
| Parameter | Value |
| Installed Capacity | 2 x 660 MW |
| Net Efficiency | ~42% |
| Steam Pressure | 25 MPa |
| Steam Temperature | 600°C |
| Turbine-Generator | Shanghai Electric manufacture |
| ESP Efficiency | 99.9% |
| FGD Type | Wet limestone-based |
| SO₂ Removal Efficiency | 95%+ |
3. Investment and Financing Structure
The plant was developed by EMBA Electricity Production Inc., with 78% of shares owned by Shanghai Electric Power (SEP), a Chinese state-owned entity, 21% by Avic-Intl Project Engineering Company, and 1% by Turkish partners. The total investment cost is approximately USD 1.7 billion, financed by China Eximbank, with an expected repayment period of 12–15 years. This project is the largest Chinese-funded energy investment in Turkey.
4. Coal Supply and Fuel Costs
The plant consumes approximately 4.5 million tons of imported hard coal annually, sourced primarily from Indonesia, South Africa, and Colombia. Coal is imported via the plant’s Sugözü coastal terminal.
As of late 2024, CIF Turkey coal prices range between USD 100–130 per ton, leading to significant volatility in energy production costs.
5. Environmental Impacts and Public Response
Located on Sugözü beach in Yumurtalık, the plant is near the nesting grounds of endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles, sparking opposition from environmental NGOs. The TEMA Foundation has led multiple lawsuits against the project.
Despite obtaining an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and employing emission control technologies, the plant is estimated to emit 7–8 million tons of CO₂ annually.
6. Electricity Production and Market Impact
The plant produces approximately 9–10 TWh of electricity annually, accounting for about 2.5% of Turkey’s total electricity generation. The energy is sold through Turkey’s Energy Exchange (EPİAŞ) via the free market and bilateral agreements.
7. Conclusion and Evaluation
The Adana Hunutlu Thermal Power Plant is a significant example of large-scale foreign-funded energy projects in Turkey. However, its reliance on imported coal, high carbon emissions, and environmental concerns raise questions about its long-term sustainability. Stronger incentives for transitioning to domestic and renewable energy sources are clearly needed.
References
- Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (2021), Turkey Electricity Statistics.
- Shanghai Electric Group (2019), Hunutlu Project Technical Brief.
- EMBA Electricity Inc. (2020), Company Information, Turkish Trade Registry Gazette.
- China Eximbank (2020), Press Release: Turkey’s Hunutlu Coal Power Plant Financed under BRI.
- Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (2021), Sugözü Terminal Port Registration Certificate.
- World Bank (2024), Commodities Price Forecast, Q4/2024.
- TEMA Foundation (2018), Press Release: Threat of Thermal Power Plant to Sugözü Coast.
- Greenpeace International (2022), Turkey’s Carbon-Intensive Projects.
- EPİAŞ (2024), Daily Generation Reports.
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