Governing the energy-water nexus; sustainable resource governance for development in Turkey

In Turkey’s Western Anatolia, unprecedented funds are committed to the development of geothermal resources and energy infrastructure. Deep geothermal energy projects, in particular, grew in size and number in the last 15 years. These are almost always located in the proximity of largely agrarian communities in peri-urban and rural settings with a longstanding tradition of agriculture such as fig, grape and/or olive production. Geothermal energy as a local, clean and green energy option, is very much celebrated by national governments and private sector for its power production and economic growth potential. However, geothermal energy projects are increasingly proven to be difficult and controversial in terms of social and environmental sustainability. This research aims to fill this interface by delving into the governance of contested geothermal energy projects in Turkey.

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