We believe in the importance of open, transparent, and honest communication with our stakeholders. Therefore, we value their opinions and expectations.
In the projects we implement, we prioritize understanding the needs of stakeholders in the regions where we invest and focus on improving communication with them accordingly.
To ensure sustainable growth, we aim to make the benefits we provide to all our key stakeholders sustainable as well.
We ensure continuity in our communication with stakeholders through regularly conducted employee satisfaction surveys, sustainability priority surveys, customer satisfaction surveys, reputation research, project-based stakeholder engagement and information meetings, environmental impact assessments, public participation meetings, prioritization workshops, and one-on-one visits.
At Zorlu Enerji, we define our stakeholders as individuals and organizations who are affected by our operations and who can have an impact on or contribute to the success of our Company.
Stakeholder Engagement and Social Dialogue
Zorlu Enerji places its stakeholders at the center of its business strategies and conducts transparent and effective communication processes.
Stakeholder relations shaped by principles of diversity, inclusivity, and trust are supported by tools such as surveys, reputation research, and engagement meetings.
In line with global sustainability trends, a strategic prioritization analysis is conducted to determine stakeholder priorities, and the feedback received is actively used to improve business processes.
Additionally, with a comprehensive stakeholder governance procedure, the views of local communities and other stakeholders are taken into account to manage communication processes effectively.
Stakeholder Prioritization
Zorlu Enerji takes a pioneering approach in sustainability and stakeholder management in its sector.
Through a comprehensive stakeholder governance procedure developed to address all kinds of complaints, requests, and demands arising from operations, the Company aims to listen to the voices of local communities and other stakeholders. This procedure is shared with power plant officials to ensure effective implementation in stakeholder communication processes.
Through the stakeholder mapping conducted by the Company, internal and external stakeholders have been identified and prioritized.
This process is also important for confirming that the Company's operations have no negative impact on local communities.
Stakeholder Engagement Procedure
Stakeholder Engagement Policy
Responsible Lobbying Approach
At Zorlu Enerji, we adopt trust, honesty, transparency, responsibility, openness, and equal communication as fundamental values in our corporate culture and consider these principles essential for protecting and enhancing our reputation.
By embedding these values at the core of our business processes, we show respect for the existence, operations, roles, and responsibilities of the institutions we engage with.
As one of the leading names in the energy sector that recognizes the importance of prioritizing renewable energy investments to ensure a sustainable future, we engage in science-based advocacy and collaborations on public, civil society, and private sector platforms.
Details of our responsible lobbying approach are available on our website.
Responsible Lobbying Report
Our Communication Channels with Stakeholders
We ensure continuity in our communication with stakeholders through:
- Periodic employee satisfaction surveys
- Sustainability surveys
- Customer satisfaction surveys
- Reputation research
- Project-based stakeholder engagement and information meetings
- Prioritization workshops
- Fairs
- Technical tours
- Various meetings
- Our website
- Service centers
- Call centers
- Social media accounts
- Petitions
- One-on-one visits
At Zorlu Enerji, we offer various complaint mechanism tools. All our stakeholders can communicate their complaints, suggestions, and requests via the contact information provided on our website: https://www.zorluenerji.com.tr/en/contact
For electricity operations, complaints are received through the following channels:
- Corporate website
- Service centers
- 186 call center
- Social media accounts (X, Facebook, Instagram, etc.)
- Complaint websites
- Government agencies (written complaints submitted through public institutions)
- Petitions
All requests, suggestions, and complaints are individually reviewed and responded to according to the channel through which they were received.
Affordability & Access
Land Acquisition Policy
Zorlu Enerji carries out its land acquisition and expropriation procedures for energy investments in full compliance with applicable regulations and maintains this approach consistently across all operations.
In accordance with Law No. 2942 on Expropriation, the locations and layouts of energy generation facilities are determined by considering the geographic and residential structure of the project area. Every effort is made to avoid damage to residential structures, and alternative solutions are evaluated whenever possible.
All expropriation and facility installation procedures are conducted in compliance with national laws and international standards. Losses incurred by rights holders affected by the project are compensated in line with the relevant legislation and mutual agreements. Additional assistance is also provided when necessary.
The expropriation payment includes the value of the land as well as existing structures such as wells, concrete surfaces, walls, fences, and trees. Energy facilities are constructed on the expropriated land as quickly as possible and rehabilitated according to the project plans determined by Zorlu Enerji.
Before and after construction, protocols for land entry and exit are signed between the landowner/user and the authorized personnel, with the local village head (muhtar) serving as a witness. The aim is to ensure land rehabilitation and reach a mutual agreement with the landowners. Therefore, the participation of landowners or their legal heirs in the signing of these protocols is of great importance.
You can access detailed procedures regarding the legal process of land acquisition through the document below.
Legal Process in Land Acquisition
Resettlement Procedure
In energy investment projects, a plan is prepared with the aim of preventing or minimizing involuntary resettlement by considering alternative project designs, and to regulate the activities to be carried out during this process.
The preparation of this plan is guided by the following objectives:
- To identify adverse social and economic impacts and losses resulting from land acquisition and to define measures to compensate for these losses.
- To determine the rights of all affected groups, paying particular attention to the needs of vulnerable individuals and groups.
- To minimize the impacts of resettlement by ensuring the process is carried out with transparency, consultation, and participation of the affected parties.
- To restore or, if possible, improve the livelihoods and living standards of the displaced individuals to pre-resettlement levels.
- To improve the living conditions of physically displaced persons by providing adequate housing in the resettlement areas.
Under the provisions of Law No. 5543 on Settlement, the requirements and responsibilities are defined for all resettled persons—both those who are legal landowners (titled) and those who are physically or economically displaced, either fully, partially, permanently, or temporarily, without legally recognizable rights or claims to the land they occupy.
The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP), customized for each project, is developed based on a detailed socio-economic study. This study includes not only the communities to be displaced but also the characteristics of the existing communities in the resettlement area. The RAP is prepared in accordance with the following format.
You can access the resettlement procedure in the document linked below.
Resettlement Procedure
Frequently Asked Questions About Expropriation
Expropriation is carried out in accordance with the Expropriation Law No. 2942. The primary objective of expropriation is to transfer ownership rights through mutual agreement with landowners.
The value is determined based on parcel-specific land valuation studies. This offer is presented to the landowners/heirs, and if an agreement is reached, the amount is paid in full and the title is transferred at the land registry. For agricultural lands, the net income method is used; for plots, comparable sales value; and for buildings, official unit prices and construction costs are taken into account. The determined value is paid in full to the landowner.
Landowners have the right to reject the proposed expropriation amount. However, the authority conducting the expropriation holds the right to initiate legal action for value determination. In such cases, an expropriation value determination and registration lawsuit is filed at the Civil Court of First Instance. The court appoints experts and conducts an on-site inspection to determine the value. All court expenses are covered by the administration, but attorney fees are charged to the landowner.
If a physical division of the land has taken place, this will be identified during the expropriation process. In such cases, the expropriation and crop compensation are paid to the shareholder whose portion of the land is affected by the energy facility.
If the crop that could be damaged during construction is not already included in the expropriation compensation, then the value of the crop present just before construction begins will be compensated.
Trees that will be affected or damaged by the construction are recorded in an official report during a site inspection with the landowners. The tree compensation is paid based on the declaration of ownership noted in the report and with the approval of the village head (muhtar).
For energy projects, crops on the land are documented via a signed report. The crop compensation is paid to the declared rightful owner listed in the report, provided there is a valid lease agreement and approval by the village head.
By submitting an ecr-i misil (unauthorized use fee) document and documenting the declaration with the signatures of the village head and council members, compensation for the crops may be paid. However, the land value is paid to the Treasury.
A declaration-based report (muhabere) is prepared, and crop compensation may be paid accordingly. However, land value is paid to the Treasury.
A report can be prepared with the signatures of the village head (muhtar) and council members to verify the situation. In such cases, crop compensation may be paid, but land compensation is paid to the legal owner registered in the title deed.
After receiving the expropriation notice, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit to annul the expropriation decision within the legally defined time period.
All litigation expenses incurred during the court process are covered by Zorlu Enerji. However, attorney fees are assigned to the respective parties.
You must apply to the land registry office with a certificate of inheritance (veraset ilamı) and request the transfer of the property to yourself and other heirs. Without this process, no ownership transfer or compensation payment can be made. An application by just one heir is sufficient to initiate the transfer.
If one or more co-owners live abroad or in another city, a power of attorney may be used for the transfer, provided that it clearly states the plot number and grants authority for property transactions. If no power of attorney is provided, all co-owners must be present at the land registry for the transaction. For those living abroad, notifications are sent via consulates, which may significantly delay the process. Therefore, issuing a special power of attorney can help expedite the process.
During the land registry process, the consent of the mortgage holder is required. If this consent is not granted, the expropriation payment is made directly to the mortgage holder and is deducted from the outstanding debt.
All construction activities related to energy facilities are carried out within the expropriated area. In exceptional cases where operations must go beyond this boundary, the landowner or user is consulted, and any additional damages are compensated accordingly with their consent.
The landowner may file a lawsuit to annul the expropriation decision in the administrative court within 30 days of receiving the official notice. Additionally, a correction lawsuit may be filed in the civil court for material errors. The outcome of any lawsuit only applies to the individuals who initiated it and does not affect others who did not file a claim.
Community Development
In line with sustainable development goals, Zorlu Enerji implements projects that support education, employment, and social progress. Guided by our sense of social responsibility, we aim to enhance the economic and social well-being of local communities while working toward an inclusive and equitable future.
Kızıldere 3 GES Social Investment Plan
Jhimpir WPP Community Investment Plan
Zorlu Enerji Experience Program (ZExperience)
To support the development of the regions in which we operate, Zorlu Enerji has long provided scholarships to successful university students with limited financial means. Since 2023, in collaboration with imeceLAB, we have been running the Zorlu Enerji Experience (ZExperience) program. Through this initiative, we offer scholarship recipients online personal and professional development trainings, provide in-depth learning opportunities, and integrate them into Zorlu Enerji’s professional network. A total of 105 students successfully completed the program over two terms, and we aim to reach even more students in the future.
Lesson Support Project
Launched in 2023, the Lesson Support Project provides online academic assistance in mathematics and science to 5th, 6th, and 7th-grade students attending public schools. These students include the children of Zorlu Enerji employees and those affected by the earthquake. In the first term, we supported 250 students with online lessons in Math and Science, and we aim to reach another 250 students in the upcoming term.
Our Energy for Our Region Project
Since 2015, through the Our Energy for Our Region Project, we have been addressing the socio-cultural, infrastructure, and technological needs of communities in our investment regions. The project aims to integrate Zorlu Enerji as a meaningful part of the local community.
FutureFem
Launched in 2024, FutureFem is designed for 3rd and 4th-year female students in the faculties of Economics and Administrative Sciences (EAS) and Engineering who aim to build a career in the energy sector. Participants received training in theoretical knowledge related to the sector, company culture, and personal development to help them prepare for the future. The project also aimed to raise awareness on gender equality and provide valuable career experience. A total of 20 university students participated in the program. After project evaluations and presentations, the top three participants began voluntary internships.
Equal Energy (Enerjimiz Eşit)
Through the Equal Energy project, we aim to promote gender equality in the energy sector, where female employment is comparatively low. Since the project began in 2019, the percentage of white-collar female employees at OEDAŞ has increased from 28% to 35%. Similarly, the percentage of blue-collar female employees rose from 14% to 21%, and the number of female engineers increased from 17% to 21%. Our goal is to continue increasing the number of women employed in the energy sector, starting with OEDAŞ.
Zero Carbon Footprint Forests Project
In our fight against the climate crisis and for a sustainable future, we have been running the Zero Carbon Footprint Forests Project since 2010. The aim is to raise awareness about climate change and plant 90,000 saplings annually. We select reforestation areas from provinces where Zorlu Enerji operates. To date, we have planted 645,000 saplings and aim to reach a total of 1,150,000.
Companion Animals (Can Dostlar)
Launched by OEDAŞ in 2021, the Companion Animals project initially focused on providing food support for stray animals and later expanded to include shelter, neutering, care, and medical treatment. In 2024, the project was extended to include migratory birds. We implemented safety measures such as insulators and flexiglass coatings on power lines along migration routes to prevent bird collisions. We also built shelters and birdhouses using scrap materials. In collaboration with HAYTAP, the municipalities of Eskişehir Tepebaşı and Afyonkarahisar, we opened two treatment rooms, where we have performed over 3,000 neutering procedures and more than 5,000 surgeries and treatments. We plan to increase our support for animals by opening additional treatment rooms and expanding birdhouse installations.
OEDAŞ Traditional Energy Conservation and Efficiency Contest
Since 2017, OEDAŞ has organized an annual poetry and painting contest aimed at creating awareness about environmental protection and energy efficiency among primary and secondary school children. Each year, the contest is held in a different city within our service area.
Plastic Caps Turn into Wheelchairs
With the Plastic Caps Turn into Wheelchairs project, OEDAŞ launched a cap collection campaign in 2021 to support individuals with spinal cord injuries. Carried out in collaboration with the Turkish Spinal Cord Paralytics Association, the project aims to provide wheelchairs to those
OEDAŞ Illuminates History
To preserve cultural and historical heritage and promote tourism, OEDAŞ launched the OEDAŞ Illuminates History project in 2021. As part of this initiative, we illuminated the Aizanoi Ancient City in Kütahya and provided electrical infrastructure to touristic areas of the Phrygian Valley. Aizanoi is home to the world’s first known stock exchange building and one of the best-preserved temples of Zeus. In cooperation with the Kütahya Governorship, we worked to enhance the visibility of this significant historical site. In the Phrygian Valley, we collaborated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and the Afyonkarahisar Governorship to install electricity infrastructure in designated touristic areas.
Scholarship Program
Since 2009, through our Scholarship Program, we have been supporting the development of regions where we operate by providing scholarships to successful university students with limited financial resources. Our goal is to reduce economic barriers that may impact students’ educational journeys. In the 2023–2024 academic year alone, we awarded scholarships to 315 students as part of this initiative.