Floating power plants developed by Turkish energy company Karpowership are emerging as an alternative solution for countries facing electricity shortages, as rising energy demand and growing energy security concerns increase the need for rapidly deployable and flexible power systems.
The “Powership” model, developed by Karpowership, a subsidiary of Karadeniz Holding, generates electricity on floating platforms and can deliver power to countries experiencing supply shortages within weeks.
The systems are increasingly used in regions where energy infrastructure has been damaged or remains insufficient, offering a faster and more flexible alternative to conventional land-based power plants, which often require years to build.
The company, which describes itself as the operator of the world’s only floating power plant fleet, currently has 45 vessels with a combined installed capacity exceeding 8,000 megawatts.
Depending on demand, the ships can be configured with capacities ranging from 30 megawatts to more than 600 megawatts and can be commissioned in less than 30 days where suitable infrastructure exists.
Since 2013, the company has generated more than 123 terawatt-hours of electricity, with operations spanning countries from the Dominican Republic and Senegal to Iraq and Guyana, reflecting growing global demand for the technology.
- "Plug-and-play" model offers alternative to lengthy construction timelines
Karadeniz Holding Vice Chairperson Zeynep Harezi Yilmaz said the main advantage of the Powership model over traditional land-based plants lies in its deployment speed and operational flexibility.
She said all generation infrastructure is already installed onboard the vessels, allowing the systems to begin operating within weeks rather than years.
“While conventional power plants can take years to construct, Powerships can be commissioned within weeks,” Yilmaz said.
“Thanks to their mobile structure, they can also be relocated to different regions when needed, providing flexible solutions,” she added.
Yilmaz said the vessels can leave a country once a project ends without leaving permanent infrastructure behind, while integration into local grids can be carried out rapidly, even in regions with limited electricity networks.
She described the model as a fully integrated “plug-and-play” energy solution, with generation units, high-voltage systems, control centers, fuel storage and operational infrastructure all located onboard.
- Energy security is no longer an issue limited to times of crisis
According to Yilmaz, the systems can support both advanced and developing electricity networks by enabling rapid integration into existing grids.
She said energy security is no longer an issue limited to times of crisis, noting that Powerships can be connected quickly during droughts, fuel supply disruptions or sudden surges in electricity demand.
Rising global energy consumption driven by climate change, population growth, digitalization and the expansion of artificial intelligence technologies is increasing the need for flexible power solutions, she said.
Yilmaz said the Powership model is positioned not only as an emergency response tool but also as part of long-term energy planning, adding that the vessels can help stabilize grids and support the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
- Multi-fuel technology enables rapid adaptation to different energy needs
She noted that the ships can operate with multiple fuel types, including natural gas and various liquid fuels, giving countries greater flexibility in fuel access, cost management and supply security.
The fleet includes six different vessel classes designed for varying energy needs, allowing countries to select models based on their grid infrastructure and required capacity.
Yilmaz also said the technology represents more than an energy solution for Türkiye, describing it as an export model for Turkish engineering and technology.
She said design, engineering, operations and project management processes are carried out by Turkish teams, while the company currently maintains active operations in 15 countries.
"We aim to be not only an energy supplier, but also a long-term solution partner contributing to countries’ development processes and people’s daily lives," Yilmaz concluded.
By Duygu Alhan
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr
