Minister Alparslan Bayraktar participated in the “Regulation and Competition in Energy Markets Summit” organized by the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) and the Competition Authority in Antalya.
Turkey’s Response to Global Energy Challenges
Addressing the summit, Minister Bayraktar highlighted the severity of the current global energy crisis, citing the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz and volatility in international oil and natural gas markets. He emphasized, “We are facing an unprecedented energy depression that keeps all nations on alert.”
Building a New Energy Architecture
Bayraktar explained that since 2002, Turkey has undergone significant reforms in the energy sector, including market liberalization and the launch of the National Energy and Mining Policy in 2016. He noted, “We have made critical moves to ensure supply security by diversifying resources, routes, and forms, as well as investing in infrastructure.”
Future-Oriented Planning
The minister announced plans to revise long-term energy strategies on the policy’s 10th anniversary, aiming to establish a resilient and flexible new energy market. “Our upcoming program will focus on electrification and digitalization,” he stated.
Ensuring Supply Security and Infrastructure Investments
Bayraktar assured that Turkey’s dependency on the Strait of Hormuz for oil and natural gas is at a minimum, adding, “There is no current risk to our supply security.” He also referenced the implementation of the Equilibrium Mobile System to stabilize fuel prices and noted the reduction of special consumption tax on diesel.
Regional Energy Projects
Highlighting Turkey’s strategic role, Bayraktar stressed the importance of projects such as integrating Turkmen gas via the Caspian and extending the Iraq-Turkey Oil Pipeline to Basra. Additionally, a potential natural gas pipeline from Qatar was mentioned as a significant initiative.
On the electricity front, Bayraktar pointed to the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey-Bulgaria Green Electricity Transmission and Trade Agreement signed in Baku, which will deliver renewable energy from Azerbaijan to Europe. He also referenced ongoing efforts to develop an integrated transmission line from Saudi Arabia to Turkey.
Storage and Renewable Energy Growth
The minister reported that Turkey’s gasification capacity has reached 161 million cubic meters and that storage facilities are currently 75% full. By 2028, Turkey aims for at least 20% of its natural gas consumption to be covered by storage.
Regarding renewables, Bayraktar stated, “By the end of March, our installed electricity capacity exceeded 125,000 megawatts, with solar and wind accounting for 41,517 megawatts, or 33%. By the end of 2026, solar power is projected to surpass hydropower as Turkey’s leading energy source.”
Ongoing Support for Consumers
Bayraktar acknowledged the need to improve customer satisfaction in electricity distribution. Over the past three years, 1.85 trillion lira in bill support for natural gas and electricity has been provided. He emphasized a new approach where those with lower consumption benefit most, and support will continue under these principles.
For photographs related to the event, click here.
Fotoğraf Galerisi
