Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar addressed key issues relating to Turkey’s energy security and sectoral developments during his appearance at Anadolu Agency’s Editor’s Desk. Bayraktar responded to journalists’ questions about the impact of geopolitical crises and outlined measures taken to ensure uninterrupted energy supply.
Current Geopolitical Crisis and Energy Security
Minister Bayraktar highlighted the ongoing crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, noting its broad global implications. He stated, “The current situation, if prolonged, could have increasingly severe effects on the global economy.” Nevertheless, Bayraktar emphasized, “There is no issue with Turkey’s energy supply security at present. Our diversified energy infrastructure and policies have kept us in a secure position.”
Supply Sources, Resilience, and Sectoral Projects
Oil and Gas Dependencies
Bayraktar explained that Turkey’s dependency on the Hormuz region for oil is manageable at around 10%, with no direct natural gas imports from the area. “We continue to receive petroleum primarily from Saudi Arabia and Iraq, but this only accounts for about 15% of our total supply,” he said. “Our refineries are operating, and there is no shortage of product.”
Government Measures and Consumer Support
The Minister described the implementation of the Sliding Scale System (Eşel Mobil), which reduced the Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV) on diesel to zero, thereby easing the economic burden on citizens. He also outlined significant state support for energy bills, with subsidies projected to reach up to 925 billion lira for electricity and natural gas if current price levels persist through year-end.
Natural Gas Tariff Reforms and Storage
Bayraktar announced plans for a tiered natural gas tariff system, ensuring that support continues for 87% of subscribers who consume below average levels. He also noted that natural gas storage facilities are approximately 70% full, with efforts underway to maximize reserves given ongoing uncertainties.
Strategic Investments: Exploration, Renewables, and Nuclear
Turkey is advancing new drilling operations in the Black Sea and launching activities in Somalia in April. The Minister highlighted recent and upcoming international energy partnerships with major firms such as Chevron, Exxon, BP, Shell, and an impending agreement with Total. He emphasized that 2026 will be a pivotal year for Turkey’s external energy activities.
Bayraktar also underscored the importance of renewable energy targets, aiming for 120,000 MW of wind and solar capacity by 2035. He pointed to the upcoming UN Climate Conference (COP) in Antalya, suggesting that new, ambitious goals may be announced.
Regarding nuclear energy, the Minister reiterated the aim to generate the first electricity from Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant this year, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of nuclear energy in Turkey. Legislation for small modular reactors is also underway.
Ceyhan Petroleum Hub and Sectoral Preparedness
Bayraktar detailed plans to transform Ceyhan into a major petroleum and petroleum products hub, with a storage project capable of handling up to 2.5 million barrels daily from regional and international sources. He stressed that Turkey’s petroleum and gas storage capacities are being increased, ensuring resilience in the face of global disruptions.
“There is no need for concern,” Bayraktar concluded, reiterating that Turkey is well-prepared with robust sectoral investments, strategic reserves, and comprehensive policies to manage both current and future energy challenges.
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