Baker Hughes and Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı (TPAO) have signed an agreement to explore opportunities for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), supporting Türkiye’s efforts to expand lower-carbon geothermal power generation and strengthen energy security.

The agreement was announced during COP31, the United Nations climate conference taking place in Antalya, Türkiye, and outlines a phased approach to developing next-generation geothermal resources.

The initial phase will involve a nationwide assessment of EGS potential using geological and operational data from TPAO and the General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA).

Baker Hughes will then support further evaluation of potential assets, including well locations and designs, before progressing to pilot drilling and, ultimately, commercial-scale development.

“COP31 is an opportunity to move the conversation from ambition to action and demonstrate how our solutions can help deliver the reliable, lower-carbon energy our world needs,” said Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli.

“Enhanced geothermal systems have the potential to expand where geothermal energy can be developed, and our agreement with TPAO brings together the data, expertise and technology needed to advance that opportunity and unlock a new source of reliable, lower-carbon power that helps secure Türkiye’s future energy supply.”

Türkiye is currently Europe's largest geothermal power producer and ranks fourth globally, with installed capacity of approximately 1.8 gigawatts (GW).

Its existing geothermal electricity generation relies on conventional resources, while EGS could open up additional locations for development and increase the availability of reliable, baseload power.

Unlike conventional geothermal systems, which depend on naturally occurring underground water and steam reservoirs, EGS uses advanced technologies and water injection to create geothermal reservoir conditions in deep, hot, dry rock.

The resulting steam can then be used to generate electricity.

Baker Hughes will contribute expertise across subsurface evaluation, drilling, completions, power generation and digital technologies to support the development of next-generation geothermal projects. -OGN/TradeArabia News Service