Nearly 30 power plants to be privatized in Turkey by 2020

ANKARA

A total of 29 hydroelectric and gas-turbine powered  power plants of the Turkish Electricity Generation Corporation (EÜAŞ), and Turkey’s state-run oil company TPAO’s oil distribution unit, TP Petrol Dağıtım, have been put under a privatization program, according to a written statement published in the Official Gazette on June 24. 

The Turkish Electromechanics Industry, or TEMSAN, which deals with the production, establishment, operation and maintenance services of energy installations, is also on the list. 

The privatizations are planned to be completed by 2020, according to the statement. EÜAŞ’s power plants will be privatized upon the transfer of assets or operating rights. 

In 2014, a number of thermoelectric plants and hydroelectric plants were privatized, mainly attracting local investors. At the end of 2014, the share of energy produced by the private sector reached 72 percent, up from 57 percent in 2003, according to data from the Energy Ministry. 

Turkey will not include the largest hydropower plants in the privatization plan however, even though investors have offered up to $20 billion to buy one of them, Energy Minister Taner Yıldız had said in December.