The Impact Of Thermal Power Plants On Agriculture – OpEd
I prefer wines made from the Kalecik Karası grape, grown exclusively in Ankara’s Kalecik district. I drink just a sip each day, sometimes a half glass, occasionally a full one. Although Kalecik Karası grapes are now grown in places like Cappadocia, Trakya’s Mürefte, Denizli, and Alaçatı, none match the unique taste of those grown in Kalecik. Known for their large seeds and intense aroma, these deep red grapes were almost lost, only to be rediscovered and revived, yielding excellent wines today.
But my views on wine and grapes go further. In regions like Urla, Alaçatı, and Çeşme, it puzzles me that foreign grape varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscat, Shiraz, Chardonnay—dominate. Why aren’t native Aegean grapes like Çalkarası and Sultaniye more prominent?
I prefer indigenous varieties, especially Boğazkere, Öküzgözü, and Kalecik Karası. I choose wines from reputable producers who maintain strict quality control, ensuring they are served at the proper temperature. When abroad, I select regional wines to embrace local flavors.
Thermal Power Plants and Agriculture: Unlikely Connections
Turning to thermal power plants’ influence on grape cultivation and agriculture in general—the connection may seem tenuous, but it’s significant. Power plants impact not only air quality but also the soil. ElectroStatic Precipitators (ESP) capture airborne ash, while Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) units prevent sulfur release into the atmosphere. The slag and waste collected from these processes are deposited in ash reservoirs.
These ash reservoirs are generally located in deep valleys where agriculture is not practiced, and we ensure thorough isolation to prevent toxic substances from spreading. Once these reservoirs are filled, they are covered with a layer of soil, making them suitable for agriculture.
Quality vineyards require sunlit slopes with volcanic ash-rich soil. Filled ash reservoirs can provide an ideal foundation for growing grapes and olives. For instance, the former ash pond at Soma Thermal Power Plant now supports olive trees, producing extra virgin olive oil. Where toxic materials may remain, pine trees are planted, as seen at the Elbistan plant and Adana’s imported coal plant, which has successfully begun growing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
Reclaiming Thermal Power Plant Sites for Turkish Agriculture
Turkey’s filled ash reservoirs could host native grape varieties. For example, Boğazkere could thrive at Kangal, Öküzgözü at Elbistan-Tufanbeyli, and Kalecik Karası at Çayırhan. In places like Yatağan, Kemerköy, and Yeniköy, olive trees would be well-suited, while regions such as Çanakkale and Soma could benefit from Aegean grape varieties.
Yet the oversight of thermal power plants should not be left solely to government agencies; civil society organizations must also play a role. Vigilant monitoring, voicing concerns, and ensuring accountability on all platforms are essential, as the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the soil we cultivate are shared resources.
Thermal plants should be sited close to existing coal reserves, avoiding fertile agricultural land, forests, tourism zones, and heritage sites. Reclaimed ash reservoirs, in turn, can become productive lands for grapevines and olive trees.
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