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A proposed wind power project in Istanbul’s Northern Forests has triggered concern over its environmental impact, as official documents show that more than 17,500 trees may be cut down as part of the development process.
The project, led by Hisarustu Enerji Yatirimlari (Hisarustu Energy Investments), is set to be reviewed on April 28 by Türkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change as part of the environmental impact assessment process.
Located in the Catalca and Silivri districts, the planned wind energy plant will consist of 10 turbines, revised from an earlier plan of 16.
Despite the reduction, the project area still includes land classified as forest and agricultural fields.
According to the project file submitted to the ministry, the total investment is estimated at over $21.1 million (₺936 million).
Details emerging from the environmental impact assessment report show that the construction phase will require opening new forest roads to transport equipment and install turbines.
Around 17,507 trees are expected to be cut as part of these works, according to Cumhuriyet. The Regional Directorate of Forestry will carry out the tree removal process.
The Northern Forests are widely regarded as one of Istanbul’s main ecological zones, providing water resources and contributing to the city’s air quality.
Environmental groups have long warned that increasing infrastructure and energy projects in the area may place additional pressure on these ecosystems.
The project remains under review as part of Türkiye’s environmental impact assessment procedure, with the upcoming ministry meeting expected to play a key role in determining whether it will proceed.
The project has also faced local opposition during the required public participation stage.
A public consultation meeting held on May 23, 2024, ended early after residents refused to engage with the project presentation.
Local residents, supported by neighborhood representatives and the Northern Forests Defense platform, formally recorded their objections.
In the official minutes, it was noted that “participants stated before the meeting that they did not want to listen to the project presentation. As reactions continued, the meeting was terminated.”
The environmental impact report also stated that “the meeting planned at the announced date and time was terminated because the public did not want to be informed.”
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality had previously issued an opinion on the project when it was still planned with 16 turbines.
In its June 25, 2024, assessment, the municipality emphasized the importance of rural life in the region and stated that the project was not suitable.
Although the project was later revised to reduce the number of turbines, no updated municipal opinion has been included in the current file.
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