Coal is a fossil fuel formed by the transformation of decaying plants in swamps under heat and pressure millions of years ago. Today, coal plays a critical role in the global and Turkish energy mix, supplying a significant portion of the world's electricity production.

The Historical and Current Role of Coal in Electricity Generation

The use of coal as an energy source dates back to early humans who discovered it for heating and cooking. However, its widespread use in electricity production began in 1882 when Thomas Edison used coal to power 1,000 lamps at the Holborn Viaduct power station in London. Today, more than 60% of electricity in the United States comes from fossil fuels, a significant portion of which is coal, and globally, coal remains the leading source of electricity. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), coal may maintain this position until 2040.

According to Global Energy Monitor data from January 2025, the total lifetime CO2 emissions of active coal power plants amount to 186,080.6 million tons. China leads this sector with 116,856.2 million tons, followed by India (23,975.8 million tons), the U.S. (7,515 million tons), and South Africa (3,707.3 million tons). The world's largest coal power plant, Tuoketuo in China (6,720 MW), stands out with its ultra-supercritical technology, while Taean in South Korea (6,100 MW) and Taichung in Taiwan (5,500 MW) also feature high capacities.

^{Tuoketuo Thermal Power Plant}

In Turkey, coal holds a strategic position in electricity generation. According to the Global Coal Plant Tracker, the lifetime CO2 emissions of operating coal power plants in Turkey amount to 1,785.1 million tons. Planned projects have the potential to add 111.3 million tons, while projects canceled after 2010 have prevented emissions of 13,886.4 million tons. Turkey has abundant coal reserves, particularly lignite. According to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, the country has approximately 18.9 billion tons of lignite reserves. As of 2023, there are 28 large-scale coal power plants in operation, with a total installed capacity of about 19,000 MW, meeting approximately 30-35% of Turkey’s electricity demand.

Electricity Generation Process

Electricity production from coal is based on the fundamental principles of thermal power plants. Coal is pulverized into a fine powder and mixed with hot air before being burned in boilers. The resulting heat converts water into high-pressure steam, which drives turbines to generate mechanical energy, which generators then convert into electricity. Facilities such as Afşin-Elbistan A and B in Turkey use lignite for this process. Afşin-Elbistan A, with a capacity of 1,355 MW, is one of Turkey's largest lignite plants, generating approximately 8 billion kWh of electricity annually. However, due to the low quality of lignite, efficiency rates are typically around 30%, which is below the global average (33%).

Coal Power Plants in Turkey: Key Data and Current Status

Coal power plants in Turkey are crucial for energy security but are also subject to environmental debates. Some key plants include:

• Afşin-Elbistan A and B: These plants, located in Kahramanmaraş, have a total capacity of 1,799 MW. Plant A was commissioned in 1984, while Plant B started operations in 2006. Their annual CO2 emissions amount to approximately 12 million tons.

^{Afşin-Elbistan B Thermal Power Plant}

• Soma A Thermal Power Plant: Located in Manisa, this plant has a capacity of 990 MW and has been in operation since the 1980s. It generates approximately 6 billion kWh of electricity annually and emits 5 million tons of CO2.

^{Soma A Thermal Power Plant}

• Zonguldak Çatalağzı (ÇATES): With a capacity of 314 MW, this plant uses hard coal and supplies electricity to the Black Sea region. Its annual emissions amount to approximately 2 million tons.

^{Çatalağzı Thermal Power Plant}

According to the Global Coal Plant Tracker, there are no coal plants currently under construction in Turkey, but planned projects (with a CO2 potential of 111.3 million tons) could be developed in the future. However, projects canceled after 2010, such as some lignite plant plans, were halted due to environmental concerns and the shift toward renewable energy.

Environmental Challenges

Burning coal releases pollutants such as sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon. In Turkey, the high sulfur content of lignite increases the risk of acid rain, while CO2 emissions contribute to climate change. Although the Bełchatow Plant in Poland, with 37.6 million tons of CO2 emissions, is the world's largest carbon emitter, Turkey's plants also produce significant emissions. For instance, the Afşin-Elbistan region frequently makes headlines due to air pollution and health concerns. A 2022 study revealed that PM10 levels in this area exceed the limits set by the World Health Organization.

Efforts to Reduce Environmental Impact

Several technologies are being developed to reduce coal's environmental footprint. Coal washing removes impurities before combustion, while flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems can reduce sulfur dioxide emissions by up to 99%. In Turkey, plants like Soma and Yeniköy use FGD systems, but older plants lack this technology. Gasification converts coal into gas, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions; South Korea’s Taean Plant operates a 300 MW integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) facility using this method. In Turkey, gasification remains at the pilot stage.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) aims to reduce emissions by storing CO2 underground. The U.S. Department of Energy is running over 40 projects to implement this technology in existing plants, while Turkey has limited CCS initiatives. However, research on carbon storage potential continues in Zonguldak.

Future Prospects

The future of coal is shaped by the transition to renewable energy. The UK became a leader in decarbonization by phasing out coal in 2024, while Turkey continues to rely on it. According to the 2023 National Energy Plan, Turkey aims to maintain coal capacity at current levels while increasing the share of renewable energy to 55% by 2035. Hybrid models, such as the integration of solar and wind energy at South Korea's Yonghungdo Plant, could serve as inspiration for Turkey.

Coal-fired thermal power plants remain essential for Turkey's energy security but come with high environmental costs. Plants like Afşin-Elbistan stand out for their high emissions, while the cancellation of projects reflects growing environmental awareness. Modern technologies and a transition to renewable energy will be critical in ensuring a sustainable future for coal.