Direkci stated that half of the 200 million tons of animal waste in Turkey can be collected and processed, and that there are currently 273 biomass facilities in operation.
He pointed out that about one-third of these facilities are incineration plants, another third are landfill gas facilities, and the remaining ones are biometanization plants. Direkci also explained that biogas facilities in Turkey are currently facing economic challenges and are operating at just 40% capacity.
Direkci emphasized the importance of increasing the number of facilities and developing this sector for the country’s economy, stating:
“We believe that other biomass facilities are not functional in processing animal waste. Incinerating organic waste should be the last resort because these wastes need to be integrated into the organic cycle. Similarly, dumping them in landfills is not an effective solution, as that too removes them from the cycle. We are facilities built to ensure that these materials enter the organic cycle. We have a total of 98 facilities. When operating at full capacity, we can process 15 million tons of organic waste. For the creation of a sustainable economy, organic waste needs to be part of the cycle. The amount of animal waste that can be processed is 100 million tons, and to fully evaluate it, we need six times the current number of facilities and an investment of 5 billion dollars. An additional 2.5 billion dollars is required to convert the processed raw material into fertilizer as the final product.”
Direkci noted that the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources had made significant progress in this area through the Renewable Energy Resources Support Mechanism (YEKDEM), adding: “A purchase guarantee was provided for the electricity produced, but regulations abroad generally focus on bringing organic waste to these facilities, processing it, and then integrating it with the soil. Since this regulation does not exist here, we are trying to take on these responsibilities. When we take on these tasks, we face economic difficulties. Transporting waste from one place to another involves loading, unloading, and dumping, which can be a 70-80 km process. After processing, it undergoes similar procedures. This is currently not economically sustainable.”
Average Biogas Plant Installation Requires 10 Billion Dollars
Direkci mentioned that Turkey currently has a biometanization installed capacity of 318 megawatts, with about 0.3% of electricity being produced through this method.
He stressed that in addition to electricity generation, waste should be converted into more valuable products such as biogas and biomethane, and that the sector needs to grow in this direction, saying:
“Biomethane can be transported as compressed natural gas (CNG). It can be converted into vehicle fuel, and biomethanol can be produced. We should not burn such valuable organic material. Let’s contribute to the sustainable economy. We need to make better use of it. Currently, the 318 megawatts of installed capacity is the result of approximately 1 billion dollars in investment. With further investments in this field, the issue of waste in livestock farming can be completely overcome. Circular contributions can be made to the environment, and by-products can benefit our soils.”
Direkci also stated that the average biogas plant size is considered to be 3 megawatts, and a minimum investment of 10 million dollars is required for each plant. If an organic fertilizer facility is added as a unit, an additional 5 million dollars would need to be spent.
