President Erdogan Highlights Türkiye’s Energy Achievements and Future Goals
Istanbul, The Gulf Observer: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan showcased Türkiye’s advancements in energy exploration, production, and sustainability at the Istanbul Energy Forum, emphasizing the country’s ambition to become a leading global energy hub.
Speaking at the forum, organized by Anadolu under the auspices of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry with the theme “Common Future, Common Goals,” Erdogan highlighted Türkiye’s cutting-edge exploration and production fleet, which includes four deep-sea drilling ships, two seismic research vessels, and support ships. This infrastructure, he said, has positioned Türkiye among the global leaders in natural gas and oil exploration.
Erdogan pointed to Türkiye’s energy infrastructure, which features seven natural gas pipelines, two floating LNG terminals, and 15 entry points, as evidence of its potential to become a key energy trade hub.
On renewable energy, Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye’s goal to rank among Europe’s top three and the world’s top nine by 2025. He also outlined plans to reach a nuclear energy capacity of 20,000 megawatts by 2050, with the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant expected to meet 10% of Türkiye’s electricity needs and prevent 35 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually once fully operational.
Erdogan highlighted the challenges posed by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, marking its 1,000th day this week. The conflict, he said, has underscored the importance of energy security and reducing dependence on foreign sources. Türkiye, with its balanced diplomatic ties to both sides, has navigated the crisis adeptly.
Energy Discoveries and Global Expansion
Erdogan lauded Türkiye’s historic natural gas discovery in the Black Sea, made just four years ago. Gas extracted from 4,000 meters below the seabed became available to citizens in 2023, and production is set to expand with a floating platform projected to increase daily output to 20 million cubic meters by 2026, enough to supply half of Türkiye’s households.
The country’s energy ambitions extend internationally, with the Oruc Reis seismic vessel conducting operations at three exploration sites off Somalia’s coast. Erdogan also announced plans to begin work in one of Niger’s gold mines next year, underscoring Türkiye’s efforts in global resource exploration.
On the oil front, Erdogan celebrated the discovery in Gabar, Türkiye’s largest-ever oil find, which has boosted daily production from the region to over 57,000 barrels. Combined domestic and international oil production now exceeds 155,000 barrels daily, with recent successes in Şırnak, Hakkari, and Van further enhancing Türkiye’s reserves and production capacity.
A Vision for Sustainability and Peace
“Without valuing humanity and the environment, the global economy cannot achieve prosperity, energy security cannot be ensured, and global harmony cannot be realized,” Erdogan remarked. Türkiye’s balanced approach to energy security, sustainability, and international cooperation, he concluded, positions the nation as a pivotal player in shaping the future of global energy.
