SEP EMBA Electricity Production: driving BRI-related high-quality energy development

EMBA Electricity Production, a Turkish subsidiary company of State Power Investment Corporation's Shanghai Electric Power, also known as SEP, initiated the Hunutlu Power Plant Project in Turkiye in 2013. Site preparation began in July 2018, and the first batch of concrete was poured for the main factory building in September 2019.

Throughout the project, SEP consistently integrated environmental, safety and corporate governance concepts into every stage, from preliminary design to construction and then to commercial operation. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and international geopolitical problems, EMBA promoted the project to high standards and quality.

The two ultrasupercritical coal-fired units, each with a capacity of 660 megawatts, went into operation in June and October 2022, respectively. More than 90 percent of the equipment was supplied by Chinese manufacturers. The power plant generates more than 10 billion kilowatt-hours per year, accounting for approximately 3 percent of Turkiye's annual power generation. In addition, the project incorporates solar utility by making use of rooftops, slopes and empty lands to create a hybrid power station, combining thermal power and renewable energy.

The project's total investment is about $1.6 billion, making it not only the largest direct investment by Chinese companies in Turkiye since the establishment of diplomatic relations, but a flagship project for the connection between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Middle Corridor Initiative. Since its commercial operation, Hunutlu Power Plant has achieved good production performance and has contributed to energy security, earthquake relief, and social responsibility, receiving high praise from the Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the local community.

Environment first

To protect marine animal habitats and the marine ecological environment from the beginning, Hunutlu Power Plant optimized its construction plan and took a series of protective measures.

SEP extensively applied the most advanced environmental protection technologies, investing more than $100 million in ecological conservation. Considering the local summer conditions — average relative humidity below 80 percent and average temperatures under 32 C — SEP, after multiple design optimizations with the institute, upgraded the original once-through cooling water system to a "combined flue gas and cooling tower" circulating cooling water system.

Through the innovative application of "combined flue gas and cooling tower" technology, Hunutlu Power Plant became the first overseas power plant of State Power Investment Corporation without a traditional chimney, receiving praise from the Turkish Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, local environmental organizations and the public.

Hunutlu Power Plant innovatively designed the coal conveyor bridge and access road as a large-span truss bridge, directly crossing the beach areas classified as first- and second-category sea turtle protection zones, ensuring the nest areas of turtles were protected. During the sea turtle nesting season, the power plant used long-wavelength light sources, controlled brightness and scattering, halted on-site construction, and mobilized volunteers to clean up debris on the beach, which helps hatchlings return to the sea.

During the nesting season of 2021, local experts checked the site and discovered a total of 61 sea turtle nests on the beach, which could potentially produce around 3,500 hatchlings, showing that the environment at the project site was well protected. The measures taken by the power plant received praise from experts and were widely reported by mainstream media outlets such as the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation, shaping a responsible brand for SEP and EMBA.

Hybrid power expansion

During the construction of Hunutlu Power Plant, SEP adhered to the strategic vision of SPIC to build a world-class clean energy enterprise. Considering the local conditions and solar resources, SEP advanced the thermal power project to include solar generation utilities. This led to the successful creation of a large-scale integrated energy base combining thermal power with renewable energy, making it the country's largest hybrid power station project in terms of installed capacity.

The first phase of the 21 MW photovoltaic project was connected to the grid for commercial operation in May 2023, and the second phase of the 25 MW photovoltaic project started commercial operation in November 2023. This demonstrates the successful implementation of Chinese technology, solutions and equipment in Turkiye, enhancing local energy supply security while driving the transformation of the local energy structure.

Since the start of construction, Hunutlu Power Plant has fulfilled its social responsibilities, such as improving the employment rate and serving the community. The power plant maintained a workforce of between 600 and 850 Turkish employees during the construction period. Furthermore, through mentorship and training programs, the power plant has continuously developed local talent and specialists, promoting the "export" of Chinese energy and power standards, technologies and experiences. To date, more than 350 local power industry professionals are working in important technical and management positions, which may significantly contribute to the future development of the local power industry.

Undertaking responsibility

On Feb 6, 2023, two major earthquakes of magnitude 7.8 and 7.6 struck Kahramanmaras Province in southeastern Turkiye, causing significant loss of life and property. Hunutlu Power Plant was located only 110 kilometers from the epicenter. After the earthquakes, SEP assigned technical experts from China to provide support. At the same time, the power plant promptly conducted safety inspections and emergency repairs, quickly addressing issues with the hydrogen system, unloading machinery, and other systems, ensuring the continuous safe operation of the facilities. It became the only power plant in the Adana region to maintain uninterrupted operation, meeting the energy needs of the affected areas after the earthquakes.

While ensuring stable power supply, Hunutlu Power Plant also provided earthquake relief efforts. When the Chinese national rescue team arrived at Adana Airport but could not bring a large quantity of rescue supplies due to logistical constraints, the power plant organized employees to contact local timber merchants and processing workshops to prepare rescue logs and medical splints, later completing the cutting and loading of all the rescue logs and delivering the supplies to the front lines alongside the rescue team.

Hunutlu Power Plant also assisted its employees whose families were affected by the earthquake. For instance, when some employees' homes were rendered uninhabitable, the power plant transformed existing employee dormitories and staff sports rooms into temporary accommodation. The power plant provided meals, medical supplies and basic necessities, helping them through the difficult times.

Looking to the future, SEP and EMBA will focus on the Belt and Road Initiative, implement ESG actions, and vigorously develop clean energy projects. The company is committed to global climate change mitigation, promoting clean energy transitions, and driving the development of the energy industry.