During a live broadcast on Ülke TV, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar addressed current topics and recent initiatives in Turkey’s energy and natural resources sector. Below are the significant highlights from his statements:
Ensuring Energy Supply Security
Minister Bayraktar emphasized the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil is transported. He noted that despite ongoing conflicts in the region, Turkey remains secure in terms of energy supply, with only about 10% of its oil and oil product imports coming from this area—a manageable figure for the country.
He highlighted a significant increase in Turkey’s gasification capacity from 30 million cubic meters in 2016 to 160 million cubic meters today, with plans to reach 200 million cubic meters through new FSRU projects in Dörtyol and potentially the Antalya Gulf.
Natural Gas and Nuclear Energy Developments
Domestic Production and Diversification
Bayraktar stated that natural gas production in the Black Sea is set to double by 2026 and quadruple by 2028. By the end of 2028, Turkey aims to meet up to 85% of residential gas demand with domestic supply, significantly reducing dependency on imports. Six new drilling operations are planned for this year alone.
He also underscored the transformation of Turkey’s natural gas supply map, with procurement now diversified across more than 10 countries, offering both flexibility and competitive pricing. The country has also become a gas exporter along the Bulgaria corridor.
Nuclear Energy Targets
Turkey’s long-term goal is to achieve 20,000 MW of installed nuclear capacity, aiming for at least 15% of its electricity to come from nuclear sources. At the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, the first reactor is in the testing phase, with strict adherence to international standards. Projects in Sinop and Thrace are also advancing, alongside initiatives for small modular reactors to foster a domestic nuclear industry with export capabilities.
Storage, Pipelines, and International Ventures
Turkey has expanded its underground gas storage capacity to potentially 15 billion cubic meters, aiming for full utilization before the next winter. In terms of oil pipelines, efforts continue to maximize the flow of the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, with ambitions to extend it to Basra and reach its full capacity of 1.5 million barrels per day.
Internationally, Turkey is conducting offshore drilling in Somalia with the Çağrı Bey drilling ship, targeting hydrocarbon reserves at significant depths. Similar exploration and partnership projects are planned in Libya, Syria, and Pakistan, both offshore and onshore.
Energy Efficiency and Environmental Initiatives
The government has launched a new 2024-2030 action plan for energy efficiency, aiming for over $20 billion in investments. Even a modest 2% improvement in gas efficiency could save up to 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas, increasing export potential.
Minister Bayraktar also acknowledged the success of the Zero Waste initiative, started in 2017 under the leadership of Emine Erdoğan, which has become an international model. The Ministry recently signed a protocol with the Zero Waste Foundation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of waste reduction and energy efficiency as reflections of Turkey’s broader vision of civilization.
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