In the Turkish district of Kutahya geothermal energy is a common resource for the horticultural industry. In the last year 16 greenhouses, each 3,500 square meters in size, are built in the area thanks to the 800,000 USD worth of state support. The state support was enough to cover 50 % of the initial costs and after the completion of the construction of these greenhouses, the area covered by the geothermal greenhouses in the district has risen up from 40 hectares to 50 hectares.
These greenhouses are mainly used for tomato production and the annual production volume is approximately 15,000 tons. Growers note that they receive around 30 tons of tomatoes per 1,000 square meters. Most of these tomatoes are sold in the domestic market and nearly 500 people are employed in these greenhouses.
In addition to tomatoes, some growers also grow cucumbers which are also sold in the domestic market. Most of these products are sent directly to Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara and sold under the name of “Simav tomato”. These greenhouses generate total revenue of 7.5 million USD annually for the local economy.
Source: Haberler
