Çayırhan Power Plant and lignite deposits are being lost: A massive 4.5 billion dollar giveaway!
The transfer of the Çayırhan Thermal Power Plant and its lignite deposits, valued at 4.5 billion dollars, to the private sector is on the agenda. The decision for urgent expropriation of a 520 thousand square meter area just one day before the sale has led to comments that it was intended to make the tender more attractive. It is alleged that figures close to the AKP, as well as media moguls and major corporations, are vying for the tender. The transparency of the process remains a subject of debate.
12punto
Turkey’s energy assets are once again entering a controversial sales process. The Çayırhan Thermal Power Plant and its lignite deposits, valued at 4.5 billion dollars, are being transferred to the private sector.
However, a notable development occurred just one day before the sale.
AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took a critical step for the plant, deciding on the urgent expropriation of a 520 thousand square meter lignite reserve. This move is being interpreted as an effort to make the sale more attractive and provide an additional advantage to the buyer.
So, who are the candidates vying for this massive energy resource?
Here are five strong candidates alleged to have an interest in the tender:
1. Kemal Can, the new owner of Habertürk TV
It is claimed that Kemal Can, who made a rapid entry into the media sector, is now turning his attention to the energy sector.
2. The company of former AKP MP and former advisor to Erdoğan, Mehmet İhsan Arslan, and his son, AKP Ankara MP Mücahit Arslan, along with their Qatari partners
While investments by figures close to the AKP in the energy sector are well-known, the interest of this partnership in the process is drawing attention.
3. Duygu Havacılık ve Savunma
It is stated that the company, which previously made headlines with its attempt to open a gold mine in the Trabzon highlands, also wants to step into the energy sector.
4. Çelikler Taahhüt
The company, which owns the Seyitömer and Afşin-Elbistan power plants, stands out as one of the largest players in public tenders.
5. Akçadağ İnşaat ve Madencilik
The company, which has grown through public tenders, is known for its activity in the construction and mining sectors.
The transfer of the Çayırhan Power Plant and lignite deposits is seen as a significant turning point for Turkey's energy policy. The question of to whom and under what conditions a strategic state-owned asset will be transferred remains a matter of curiosity. The transparency of the process and its alignment with the public interest remain the biggest question marks.