A Reliable Partner in Energy
While Europe’s industrial activities were disrupted by the natural gas crisis, Türkiye emerged as a reliable country for this critical resource thanks to its energy investments and diversification policy. Expanding its seismic operations from the Black Sea and the Mediterranean to the oceans, Türkiye aims to integrate its energy supply into the economy through a wide range of investments, from nuclear power to solar energy, as well as through bilateral agreements signed with many countries.
The energy crisis triggered by the war between Russia and Ukraine has deeply affected Europe’s major economies. Positioned as a key transit route for natural gas and oil pipelines, Türkiye weathered the crisis thanks to its resource diversification strategy. Moreover, the country has strengthened its position through extensive energy investments. Türkiye has already begun extracting natural gas discovered in the Black Sea and plans to introduce reserves from other seas into the economy as well.
A MASSIVE DRILLING FLEET
Having established one of the world’s largest drilling fleets, Türkiye conducts exploration and drilling activities not only in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean but also in the territorial waters of other countries. In recent years, Türkiye has pursued a policy of maximizing the use of domestic resources-ranging from natural gas and oil to coal and hydroelectric power-while enhancing supply security by accessing resources across the globe.
ENERGY DISCOVERY EXPEDITIONS
Within this framework, Türkiye has expanded its energy exploration activities to other countries. Offshore exploration off the coast of Libya, gold mining initiatives, and energy cooperation agreements in Niger are set to be implemented. The Oruç Reis Seismic Research Vessel conducted surveys off the coast of Somalia in the Horn of Africa for eight months, collecting 3D seismic data over an area of 4,464 square kilometers. These data will form the basis for future bilateral cooperation and support both regional industries and Türkiye’s energy sector.
Türkiye has also signed an energy cooperation agreement with Malaysia and will conduct oil and natural gas exploration activities this year in three offshore and two onshore areas in Pakistan. Under agreements signed between Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Pakistani oil companies-Mari Energies, Fatima, OGDCL, PPL, Prime, and GHPL-Turkish seismic vessels will operate off the coast of Pakistan. The agreements also cover potential production activities.
FOLLOWING A PROACTIVE POLICY
Furthermore, as a transit country with established pipeline infrastructure, Türkiye is evolving into a new center for energy trade thanks to its diversified supply sources and strong negotiating power. Leveraging its position as an energy transit point, Türkiye is now moving toward becoming a regional energy hub. Beyond its geographical advantages, the country pursues a proactive energy policy. The steel pipelines connecting continents, the advanced seismic and drilling fleet, onshore oil drilling activities, and record-breaking growth in renewable energy are particularly noteworthy.
By developing LNG terminals and storage facilities, Türkiye has also increased flexibility in natural gas transmission to Europe by strengthening its FSRU (Floating Storage and Regasification Unit) infrastructure. As it continues to diversify its resources successfully, Türkiye plays a critical role in Europe’s energy security. Thanks to these strengths, Türkiye stands out as a reliable partner for both local and Western companies’ industrial activities.
NUCLEAR ENERGY POWERING TECHNOLOGY
To reinforce supply security, Türkiye has joined the “nuclear energy league” with the completion of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Once all four reactors are commissioned, nuclear energy will account for approximately 10 percent of the country’s installed capacity.
In addition, Türkiye will take a significant step toward regional energy leadership with new nuclear power plants planned for Sinop province and the Thrace region. Nuclear energy will also provide a stable and reliable power source for technology and artificial intelligence investments.
Renewable energy’s share to rise
* Türkiye’s electricity demand has tripled over the past 20 years and is expected to triple again over the next 30 years.
* In recent years, Türkiye has increased investments and raised the share of renewable energy to 61 percent of installed capacity, with the resource share reaching 70 percent.
* Türkiye installs solar power fields that cover nearly 10 acres per hour.
* Türkiye ranks 5th in Europe and 11th globally in renewable energy installed capacity.
* According to the Renewable Energy 2035 Roadmap, wind and solar capacity will be quadrupled to reach 120 GW, supported by approximately US$ 80bn in new investments.
Türkiye’s existing pipelines
* TANAP (Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline): The backbone of the Southern Gas Corridor, delivering Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe.
* TürkAkım (TurkStream): A strategic pipeline with an annual capacity of 31.5 bcm, transporting Russian gas directly to Türkiye and onward to Southeast Europe.
* Blue Stream: A natural gas pipeline supplying Russsian natural gas to Türkiye via the Black Sea.
* BTC (Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan): A global-scale pipeline delivering Caspian crude oil to the Mediterranean via the Ceyhan terminal.
* Iraq-Türkiye Crude Oil Pipeline: Enables the transport of Kirkuk oil to global markets.
New pipeline projects
* Caspian Transit Natural Gas Project: Diplomatic and technical efforts are underway to transport Turkmen gas to Europe via Türkiye.
* Iraq Development Road Project: A railway and highway project extending from the Persian Gulf to the Türkiye border, planned to be supported in the long term by a new energy corridor including oil and natural gas pipelines.
