Turkish engineers have achieved a significant development contributing to domestic and national energy production by enhancing the potential of mini-scale hydroelectric power plants (HPPs). Developed by TEMSAN engineers, or Turkey Electromechanical Industry Inc., with the support of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, HİDROTEM is a compact mini HPP capable of reaching 1 MW installed capacity.

Compact HPP reaching 1 MW installed capacity

This innovative project is designed to be used especially in areas such as municipalities, drinking water treatment plants, water reservoir entrances and exits, and facilities using cooling water. One of the biggest advantages of HİDROTEM is its ability to be easily installed without requiring any construction work.

This feature significantly reduces the project’s cost and implementation time. Moreover, due to its portable and compact structure, it can be easily relocated when needed. Developed by TEMSAN Design Center, this system can provide installed power ranging from a minimum of 0.5 kW to 1 MW and can be remotely controlled with mobile devices. This means it can meet the electricity needs of approximately 200 households.

Following successful tests conducted in Babasultan village in Bursa’s Kestel district, this project was approved and ordered by the Arsin Municipality of Trabzon and the Union of Municipalities of Zonguldak. Arsin Municipality ordered a 265 kW system, while the Union of Municipalities of Zonguldak ordered a 213 kW HİDROTEM. The system in Trabzon will be commissioned in the first quarter of the year. The system in Zonguldak is already in the energy production phase.

This development is in line with the R&D efforts of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources aimed at maximizing Turkey’s potential in renewable energy. TEMSAN’s innovative solutions for hydroelectric power plant applications are seen as a significant step towards a sustainable and livable world. Moreover, artificial intelligence-based studies are being conducted in the development of HİDROTEM, which will optimize the system in areas such as water reserve control and the most efficient operating point.

This successful project aims to increase our country’s hydroelectric energy production capacity while also promoting the use of domestic and national technology to reduce dependency on foreign sources in the energy sector. According to Electrical and Electronics Engineer Batuhan Şenlen, the potential for the use of HİDROTEM in Turkey exceeds 1000 MW. This could provide a significant contribution to the country’s energy production capacity.