Operating rights of 96 hydroelectric power plants transferred to the private sector

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Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, in response to a parliamentary question submitted by Ömer Fethi Gürer, the Republican People's Party (CHP) Niğde MP, stated that the operating rights of 96 hydroelectric power plants and one thermal power plant in the public portfolio have been transferred to the private sector. 

Gürer had submitted a written parliamentary question to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, requesting information about Turkey's energy needs and whether Turkey has the infrastructure to meet them.

Minister Bayraktar, responding to Gürer's question, stated, "By the year 2023, the operating rights of 96 hydroelectric power plants and 1 thermal power plant in the public portfolio have been transferred, and one thermal power plant (coal and natural gas) has been privatized."

Gürer, in response to the Minister's answer, expressed his opinion that the transfer of operating rights for publicly-owned power plants has not reduced Turkey's energy sector problems but rather exacerbated them, making Turkey more "dependent" on foreign sources for energy.

Additionally, Gürer asked whether private sector energy production facilities are subject to inspection related to renewal, improvement, maintenance, and efficiency, and he inquired about the number of energy power plants established by the public and sold or transferred for operation to the private sector, requesting answers from the Minister. (TY/PE)