Self-produced Natural Gas for 2.6 Million Households
Minister Bayraktar, in his speech at the Atlantic Council Regional Clean and Safe Energy Conference, highlighted Turkey’s commitment to implementing a comprehensive energy transformation strategy. He emphasized the country’s focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, natural gas, and mines for energy conversion in its long-term energy planning.
Turkey ranks 5th in Europe and 11th in the world in renewable energy, and Minister Bayraktar stated that the country aims to add 5 thousand megawatts of solar and wind power every year until 2035. By 2035, Turkey plans to increase its installed power to 90 thousand megawatts, up from the current 30 thousand megawatts.
Regarding nuclear energy, the construction of Turkey’s first nuclear power plant in Akkuyu is progressing well, with the first reactor scheduled to produce carbon-free electricity in 2025. Minister Bayraktar also announced plans to reach a total capacity of 20 thousand megawatts in nuclear energy by 2050, including installed power in small modular reactors.
Energy efficiency is a key area of focus for Turkey, with plans to save 26 billion dollars in energy costs by 2040 through reduced energy intensity. Minister Bayraktar highlighted investments in public and private sectors to achieve energy efficiency targets and create new green jobs.
In terms of natural gas, Turkey is the 4th largest market in Europe and has significantly increased its gasification terminal capacity to ensure supply security. The country also made a historic natural gas discovery in the Black Sea in 2020, leading to natural gas production for 2.6 million households.
Turkey’s contributions to the energy supply security of Southeastern European countries were also emphasized, with gas exporting agreements in place with Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Serbia. Minister Bayraktar highlighted the importance of increasing pipeline capacity with neighboring countries to enhance natural gas supply.
Looking ahead, Turkey will focus on strengthening electricity transmission infrastructure with neighboring countries and establishing a carbon market by 2026. Minister Bayraktar aims to expand the scope of EPİAŞ to become a commodity exchange and make Turkey a country where carbon is priced.
Overall, Turkey’s multi-dimensional energy strategy aims to enhance energy security, promote renewable energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions in line with its long-term sustainability goals.
