World Power Plants

Karkamış Dam192 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

The Karkamış Dam holds an essential position in Turkey's energy landscape, ranking 104th among the 368 power generation facilities in the country. With a capacity of 192 MW, it plays a vital role in harnessing hydroelectric energy, contributing to approximately 0.20% of Turkey's total power capacity of 94,534 MW. As the 29th largest hydro plant out of 139 in Turkey, Karkamış Dam represents a critical investment in renewable energy, particularly in a country where gas is the dominant fuel source. Utilizing advanced hydroelectric technology, the Karkamış Dam generates electricity through the gravitational force of falling water, which turns turbines to produce power. This clean energy generation method not only helps in reducing Turkey's carbon footprint but also enhances the reliability of the energy grid by providing a stable source of electricity. The facility is strategically located within proximity to other significant hydroelectric plants, including the Birecik Dam, which boasts a capacity of 672 MW, and Karkamış HES, with a capacity of 189 MW. This cluster of hydro facilities underscores the importance of hydroelectric power in the region, offering a diverse energy mix alongside the dominant gas-fired generation. In a national context, Turkey's energy profile is characterized by a total of 368 power plants, with a significant reliance on gas. The Karkamış Dam's contribution, though relatively small, is significant in promoting the use of renewable energy sources and establishing a more balanced energy portfolio. As the country continues to grapple with energy demands and environmental challenges, the integration of hydroelectric facilities like Karkamış becomes increasingly essential in diversifying energy sources and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Commissioned in 2000, Karkamış Dam is operated with a goal of enhancing Turkey's energy security and sustainable development. The facility represents not only a source of renewable energy but also an economic asset for the region, providing jobs and fostering community development. Moving forward, the Karkamış Dam is likely to play a pivotal role in Turkey's transition towards a greener energy future, supporting national efforts to meet renewable energy targets and combat climate change.

Capacity
192 MW
Commissioning Year
2000

26 years old

Owner
State Hydraulic Works (DSI)
Location
36.8697°, 38.0307°

Turkey, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 104. largest of 368 plants in Turkey
  • #7,615 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,501 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.2% of the installed capacity of Turkey
Age & fleet comparison

26 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

State Hydraulic Works (DSI) operates 41 plants totalling 9,832 MW

Regional density

10 plants within 100 km, 5,173 MW combined

Nearest plant: Birecik Dam (24 km)

Data provenance

Location

Coordinates:: 36.869700, 38.030700
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Karkamış Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 673 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Turkey
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

TurkeyEnergy Profile

368
Total Plants
94.5 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalHydroNuclear
Top Fuels

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