MB Holding, the builder of Turkey’s first privately held geothermal power plant, is counting down the days to launch Croatia’s first. Having achieved significant success in Turkey, MB Holding is also preparing to generate electricity from geothermal energy in Croatia, one of Europe’s newest members. Croatian President Kolinda Grabar Kitavoric, who is closely interested in the planned power plant, visited the plant and exchanged information about the process. MB Holding Honorary Chairman Muharrem Balat, who was in Turkey for business during the President’s visit, paid a return visit to the President in his office.
MB Holding, which has made a name for itself in Turkey for nearly half a century with numerous achievements in the fields of construction, energy, medical textiles, perlite, greenhouse farming, and tourism, will launch Croatia’s first geothermal power plant, the foundation of which was laid in 2015. Croatian President Kolinda Grabar Kitavoric, who frequently emphasizes the importance of geothermal energy, is closely following the plant’s construction progress. The President, who visited the plant site in recent weeks, emphasized the crucial importance of renewable and clean energy for the environment and human health in Croatia.
Balat: “We are counting the days to introduce geothermal energy to Croatia, located at the intersection of Central Europe, the Balkans and the Mediterranean.”
Muharrem Balat, Honorary Chairman of MB Holding, which has introduced Turkey to a significant resource by pioneering numerous geothermal energy initiatives, and also President of the International Geothermal Energy Association, visited the Croatian President in his office and provided information about the power plant. Balat, stating that they embarked on this journey with the slogan of “clean energy for the future,” continued: “When we first entered the energy sector in Turkey, geothermal energy fields were almost nonexistent. By pioneering this sector, we have expanded our power plants, which began with an installed capacity of 10 MWE in Turkey, to 74 MWE. We are meeting the ever-increasing demand for electricity driven by economic developments with an alternative, environmentally friendly, renewable, and sustainable resource. This is a source of pride for us. As MB Holding, we introduced geothermal energy to Turkey, and now we are counting the days to introduce it to Croatia, located at the intersection of Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean.”
Kolinda Grabar Kitavoric: “The power plant, which will provide 35% of the country’s electricity, will be a very important resource for Croatia.”
Kitavoric expressed his delight at the visit of MB Holding Honorary President Muharrem Balat, saying, “Croatia is a country rich in geothermal resources, and this clean energy is truly invaluable. I’m delighted that you will bring this wealth to our country. Its environmental friendliness, in addition to its renewable nature, is a very important issue for us. The power plant you’ve laid the foundations for will be a very important resource for Croatia, as it will provide 35% of the country’s electricity. Your success and determination are commendable. As MB Holding, your contribution to your country, and the benefits you will provide to us beyond your country, will leave a great legacy for the future. Your promise of clean energy for the future has given way to a promise of clean energy for the world. I wholeheartedly congratulate you on this achievement. I promise to provide all the support necessary at this stage.” Muharrem Balat, who presented the President with local gifts from Gaziantep, concluded his visit after a photo shoot.
