Court Strikes Down Major Coal Plant Expansion in Türkiye

A court in Türkiye has halted the expansion of the Afşin-Elbistan A Thermal Power Plant, a decision hailed by environmental activists as a victory for the people.

The lawsuit, filed by local residents and Greenpeace Türkiye, successfully argued against the construction of two new units due to potential impacts on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.

The court revoked the project's Environmental Impact Assessment, stating that negative environmental impacts could not be deemed acceptable.

This ruling contributes to a 97% cancellation rate for proposed coal projects in Türkiye, a global record. However, the country has yet to implement a national coal phaseout plan.

Coal remains a significant part of Türkiye's energy mix, and many existing plants lack retirement dates. Policy support, including guaranteed purchase rates until 2030, continues to bolster the industry.

Expert reports highlighted that the Afşin-Elbistan project was not in the public interest, citing unaddressed impacts on groundwater, livelihoods, and public health.

Conversely, renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly cost-effective, with solar and wind costs dropping significantly over the past decade. Investments in renewables are projected to create thousands of new jobs, particularly in regions like Afşin-Elbistan.

As Türkiye prepares to co-host the UN's COP31 climate summit, experts urge the nation to leverage this opportunity to establish a clear energy transition pathway, supporting affected communities and fostering a coal-free future.