Investigation of theoretical hydroelectric potential with GIS-based model in Buyuk Menderes Basin, Turkey

Abstract

Abstract Hydroelectric power plants, which are a renewable energy source, have a significant role to play in the fight against climate change and global warming. For this reason, it is of great importance for a country to use its domestic resources in the most efficient and effective way. Using a GIS-based model method, locations having theoretical hydroelectric energy potential were identified in the Buyuk Menderes basin, one of Turkey's largest basins. According to the installed power potential on the examined basin, 33 sites below 10 MW, 57 sites between 10 and 50 MW, 4 sites between 50 and 100 MW, and 1 site over 100 MW were found as a consequence of the study. At the same time, the reliability of the results was debated after they were compared to the installed power of two important hydroelectric power facilities in the basin. The analysis found that the installed power of Adıgüzel and Kemer HEPPs in the relevant site, which had 62 MW and 48 MW installed power, respectively, was 80 MW and 69 MW. The calculations assume that the turbine is 100% efficient. However, when considering a turbine efficiency of 70%-80%, the findings are close to the true values. While the theoretical hydroelectric energy potential in the whole basin is 886.55 MW at 70% turbine efficiency, the installed power in the basin is currently 302.02 MW. According to these results, only 34.07% of the total hydro potential in the basin is used today.