IgnisH2 Energy established its branch, Ignis Yedisu in Turkiye, and was granted a geothermal exploitation concession in Eastern Anatolia as of Q4 2023. The distribution of geothermal fields in the region is strongly associated with active tectonics and episodes of neo-volcanism. Geothermal systems in Eastern Anatolia are governed by compressional tectonics resulting from the collision between the Arabian and Anatolian plates along the Bitlis Thrust Zone, as well as active strike-slip fault systems, including the North Anatolian Fault Zone (NAFZ) and the East Anatolian Fault Zone (EAFZ). The geothermal potential of Eastern Anatolia is evidenced by the widespread geothermal manifestations found throughout the region including hot springs, travertines and historical traces indicating the use of geothermal resources by ancient civilizations.
The strike-slip and extensional regimes in the Karliova region are driven by the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates with the Anatolian block in Eastern Anatolia, creating a complex volcano-tectonic and orogenic environment at the Karliova Triple Junction (KTJ). The intense tectonic deformation associated with the KTJ shapes the region’s morphology, resulting in complex structural controls within the geothermal setting. This tectonic framework underpins the formation of neotectonic basins in Eastern Anatolia, the origins of the NAFZ and EAFZ, as well as associated magmatism and fluvio-lacustrine sedimentation during this period.
Due to active tectonism, the ongoing deformation caused by minor earthquakes alters fracturing and deformation patterns over time and depth, potentially enhancing connectivity within the geothermal system. Further evidence is the newly formed hot springs near Kaynarpınar village, observed following the 2022 Kahramanmaraş earthquake.
Kaynarpinar geothermal exploitation license is located at the eastern part of Turkiye within the district border of Bingöl city with a coverage of 1.2 km2. The nearest district to the licensed area, Kaynarpınar, takes its name from the region’s abundant hot springs. Nearby, a boutique thermal spa center is operated by a local investor. A few drilled shallow wells, reaching a depth of 100 meters, exhibit a temperature of 80oC with an artesian flow reflecting the active geothermal system hidden deep down below. Given Bingöl’s untapped potential, these geothermal resources can enhance the region socio-economically and stimulate activity through both direct and indirect uses.
By examining the relationships between the geology and structure of the licensed area and its surroundings, the physical and mechanical properties of the rocks have been identified. Through a detailed field study, faults, alteration zones, and geothermal manifestations have been mapped, and the collected data has been correlated with aerial photographs and drone images to create a geological conceptual model.
As a follow up step, a geophysical survey implementing Magnetotelluric (MT) and gravimetry data acquisition is conducted at the concession area. Kaynarpınar prospect: a 2023 survey with 65 MT stations and 310 gravity measurements, (picture2). Within the scope of the geophysical study, MT measurements were collected at 65 points and the number of the gravity data collection stations was 310. A 3D resistivity model of the field is created based on the collected data sets.
The generated model represents that the low resistivity level, considered as the cover rock of the geothermal system, is thought to represent the fine-grained levels formed because of the weathering of tuff-containing marl, claystone and tuffite sections within the volcano-sedimentary unit. Marble levels and deformation zones of Bitlis Metamorphics are considered as the reservoir of the geothermal system.
As part of the geochemistry studies in Kaynarpınar, water samples were collected. Analysis reflects that geothermal fluid is rich in sodium chloride and bicarbonate indicating that volcanic rocks and limestones in the region affect the geothermal fluid due to water-rock interaction.
According to the collected data sets, the Kaynarpınar license shows promise for electricity generation. To validate the model, an exploration well is scheduled to be drilled in Q4 to a depth of 1,000 meters.
