Türkiye’s strategic role as energy hub gains attention amid Europe’s energy crisis

As Europe grapples with an escalating energy crisis due to the halt of Russian natural gas flows through Ukraine, Türkiye’s growing importance as a regional energy hub has come into focus.

The TurkStream pipeline, a joint project between Türkiye and Russia, has emerged as the primary conduit for Russian gas to Europe, reinforcing Türkiye’s strategic role in energy security.

TurkStream ensures Hungary’s energy security

Hungarian Ambassador to Türkiye Viktor Matis told Anadolu Agency that the suspension of natural gas transit through Ukraine had been an anticipated risk for years.

“The Hungarian answer to mitigating risks in the gas supply has been the strategic policy of diversification of gas supply and routes we have been following for many years,” Matis said.

He emphasized that Türkiye’s TurkStream pipeline has been a key factor in Hungary’s energy security since it became the country’s primary gas import route on Oct. 1, 2021.

Since its commissioning in 2020 under a Türkiye-Russia agreement, TurkStream has transported 44.4 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to Türkiye and 59.8 bcm to Europe, with each of its two lines having an annual capacity of 15.75 bcm.

“As a result of our diversification efforts and primarily, securing supplies via TurkStream, Hungary’s gas supply remained unaffected by the end of gas transit via Ukraine,” Matis stated. He further noted that Türkiye’s role in Hungary’s and Europe’s energy security has long been acknowledged and appreciated.

Hungary-Türkiye energy cooperation as a model

Matis highlighted the bilateral energy cooperation between Hungary and Türkiye as an example of how sovereign nations can align their national interests for mutual benefit.

“The Hungarian-Turkish cooperation in energy demonstrates how sovereign countries can form a mutually beneficial collaboration,” he said.

He also acknowledged Türkiye’s broader energy strategy, which includes diversification of supply sources, boosting domestic production, expanding storage capacities, and enhancing transit routes.

These initiatives not only bolster Türkiye’s own energy security but also solidify its position as a regional energy hub.

Moldova’s energy grid now connected to EU

While Hungary ensures its energy security through diversification and partnership with Türkiye, Moldova faces greater challenges due to the disruption in Russian gas supplies.

Constantin Borosan, Moldova’s secretary of state for energy, described the situation as “a deliberate security and humanitarian crisis orchestrated by Russia.”

Borosan explained that over the past three years, Moldova has diversified its energy sources, reducing its reliance on Russian gas on the right bank of the Dniester River. He highlighted Moldova’s integration into the EU’s energy grid, which now enables electricity imports from Romania.

“We have established emergency reserves, implemented energy-saving measures, and increased renewable energy use, which now accounts for 18% of consumption on certain days,” he said. However, he noted that the Transnistrian region remains fully dependent on Russian gas, making it vulnerable.

Türkiye bridges Europe and Caspian energy resources

Borosan acknowledged Türkiye’s growing influence as a regional energy hub due to its well-developed energy infrastructure.

“Türkiye is well-placed to enhance its role as a regional energy hub,” he said. “Its existing infrastructure, including pipelines and LNG terminals, connects Europe with gas supplies from the Caspian, Central Asia, and the Middle East.”

He also welcomed Türkiye’s potential investments in Moldova’s renewable energy sector, grid stabilization projects, and broader energy cooperation, all of which contribute to regional energy security and sustainability.