Turkey's Zorlu joins EU zero emissions geothermal proj.

By Oyku Zumrutdal and Ebru Sengul

ANKARA (AA) - Zorlu Energy Group, one of the pioneer companies in Turkey's local and renewable energy sector, is now a party to the EU Geothermal Gas Emission Control (GECO) project, the company announced Wednesday.

Out of eighteen participant companies in the GECO project, Zorlu Energy Group and the Middle East Technical University (METU) are Turkey's participants, the company said, adding that other project participants include institutions and organizations from France, the U.K., Italy, Iceland and Germany.

GECO aims to reduce carbon dioxide and similar gas emissions to zero by providing sustainability in geothermal areas. The implementation of international field applications along with knowledge sharing is among the other goals of the project.

Zorlu Energy will contribute to the GECO project through its research and development (R&D) resources and geothermal experience.

The biggest research and innovation program in the EU - Horizon 2020 Program, plans to grant €15 million for R&D studies in sustainable geothermal energy production to the Zorlu Energy Group for the GECO project. The grant agreement will be signed on Aug. 20.

Horizon 2020 donated €80 billion within the last seven years in support of sustainable innovations.

- Working towards goal of "zero emission geothermal energy"

"We believe we are entitled to receive this grant support through Zorlu Energy's experience in the geothermal sector and in R&D investments," Zorlu Energy Group's General Manager responsible for Investments, Operations and Maintenance Ali Kindap was quoted as saying.

"We are ready to contribute to this project with our experience and knowledge, which will help decrease emissions from carbon dioxide and similar gases, taking more advantage from geothermal fluids with more efficiency while protecting the sustainability of the geothermal source," he added.

The Commission of the European Communities covers the majority of GECO project's budget.