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The World Bank has significantly increased its investment in Izmir, aiming to support sustainable farming, renewable energy use, and rural economic development in Türkiye.
The Bank announced that its funding for the Izmir Agriculture-Based Specialized Greenhouse Organized Industrial Zone has risen from $30 million to $65 million.
Announcing the development on July 25, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Chairman Mahmut Ozgener highlighted that the project is the only one of its kind in Türkiye to be directly backed by a World Bank loan.
According to Mehmet Sahin Cakan, Board Member of the Izmir Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Dikili Geothermal Greenhouse OIZ, the infrastructure tender for water, electricity, telecom, and geothermal heating systems was published. He noted that the groundwork will enable participants to begin production soon, with the goal of harvesting the first crops as early as possible.
Located in Dikili, the Agriculture-Based Specialized Greenhouse Organized Industrial Zone (TDIOSB) seeks to lead in geothermal-heated greenhouse development and eco-friendly infrastructure, both in Türkiye and across Europe. Developed under the Izmir Governorship with contributions from the Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Aegean Exporters' Association, and Bergama Chamber of Commerce, the zone will cover 3 million square meters, turning barren land into an economic asset.
Since the project's launch, total investments by the participating unions are expected to reach approximately ₺10 billion ($246.49 million). According to the official website, the zone could contribute ₺1.6 billion annually to the Turkish economy once fully operational. It is expected to create 3,500 direct jobs, with 90% reserved for women. In addition to addressing agricultural productivity gaps, the project is designed to support rural development.
The site will feature 50 high-tech greenhouses, each spanning at least 25 decares (25,000 square meters), all heated by geothermal energy. While the greenhouses are expected to yield up to 80,000 tons of produce per year, the park will also host 47 industrial facilities for processing, packaging, and storage, as well as a greenhouse training center and an R&D facility.
The zone will be home to Türkiye’s first hybrid renewable energy facility in an agriculture-based industry. In addition to geothermal heating, it will include 169 decares of solar panels, 58 decares of wind turbines, and a 38-decare biogas plant. These systems are expected to reduce carbon emissions and lower production costs.
Supported by the Agriculture and Forestry Ministry, the project offers various investor incentives. Ziraat Bank provides 100% interest-free loans up to ₺50 million. Other benefits include tax and VAT exemptions, waived title deed fees, and facilitated infrastructure access.
The project also emphasizes social development, with programs aimed at increasing women's participation in the workforce, education, and research, according to the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce.
The greenhouse training center will provide world-class agricultural education, while the R&D facility will focus on innovation and boosting exports.
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