Turkey’s reliance on coal is facing renewed scrutiny ahead of the COP31 climate summit, as communities affected by mining operations urge world leaders to examine the environmental damage linked to the country’s largest electricity source.
The United Nations climate conference begins Monday in Antalya and runs through November 20, with the transition toward cleaner energy among the central issues under discussion.
Residents of Ikizkoy, near the Akbelen forest in southwestern Mugla province, want delegates to visit communities affected by decades of lignite mining and the expansion of nearby coal operations.
Coal generated 34% of Turkey’s electricity last year, making the country Europe’s largest producer of coal-fired power, according to energy research group Ember.
Mining operations around Akbelen supply the Yenikoy and Kemerkoy power plants, which together generate slightly more than 2% of Turkey’s electricity.
The facilities are operated by Yenikoy-Kemerkoy Energy, a joint venture involving Turkish companies Limak and IC Ictas.
Turkey is proposing a voluntary global electrification target at COP31, although its climate benefits would depend on whether additional electricity comes from low-carbon sources.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar acknowledged the difficulties of reducing coal dependence, citing thousands of jobs supported by mining operations.
Ankara considers nuclear power a major alternative and aims to develop 10 gigawatts of nuclear generation capacity by 2040, roughly equivalent to the country’s current coal-powered output.
The Akbelen dispute has also raised questions about restrictions on environmental demonstrations.
Local campaigners say mining expansion threatens forests, agricultural land and nearby communities. Protesters have faced arrests, fines and criminal proceedings following demonstrations against land expropriation and tree clearing.
Human Rights Watch reported in October that Turkish authorities had arbitrarily detained and prosecuted environmental protesters, raising concerns about restrictions on peaceful assembly.
Turkish authorities maintain that police intervene when demonstrations violate the law or threaten public order.
The dispute highlights the challenges facing Turkey as it seeks to balance energy security, employment, and climate commitments during its presidency of the global negotiations.
