Court Case Challenges Land Expropriation for Turkish Coal Plants Amid Health Concerns

A legal battle is underway in Turkey over the "urgent expropriation" of land for coal mining operations supporting the Yeniköy and Kemerköy Thermal Power Plants in Muğla's Milas district. The case centers on 679 parcels of land, with the Council of State's Chief Public Prosecutor's Office arguing that without expropriation, the power plants could cease operations by 2027, threatening national energy supply security.

However, lawyers representing the plaintiffs have submitted a detailed 13-page objection, directly refuting the prosecution's claims. Citing data from the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) and the Energy Exchange Istanbul (EPİAŞ), they assert that the combined output of the Yeniköy and Kemerköy plants constitutes a minimal portion of Turkey's electricity system. On June 30, 2026, the day of highest electricity consumption, the two plants supplied only 1.36% of the country's needs, with the remaining 98.64% met by other facilities.

Beyond the energy supply argument, the objection highlights severe environmental and health impacts. It references a hydrogeological report by the TEMA Foundation, which warns that mining activities in Akbelen could negatively affect Bodrum's drinking water sources and groundwater. Furthermore, a report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) is cited, indicating that the power plants contribute to significant air pollution, leading to an estimated 140 premature deaths annually. The lawyers project this number will increase if operations continue.

The case, which seeks the cancellation of the urgent expropriation decision, is scheduled for a hearing on September 16. The legal challenge pits the need for energy production against environmental protection and public health concerns.