TANAP pipeline key to Europe’s energy security: Turkish Energy Minister
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar attends the iftar program organized by the National Union of Turkish Students (MTTB) and delivers a speech on March 23, 2025 (AA Photo)
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized the strategic role of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) in ensuring Europe’s energy security, noting that the infrastructure is in place to support Azerbaijan’s goal of doubling its gas exports to Europe by 2027.
Speaking on Azerbaijan’s state broadcaster AZTV, Bayraktar said TANAP, along with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), was constructed with a total capacity of 32 billion cubic meters.
These projects play a critical role in transporting natural gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe via Türkiye.
Infrastructure in place to support export expansion
Minister Bayraktar said, “The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which significantly contribute to Europe’s natural gas supply security through Azerbaijan, were built with a capacity of 32 billion cubic meters.”
“The infrastructure supporting Azerbaijan’s goal of doubling its gas exports to Europe by 2027 is ready,” he added.
Türkiye-Azerbaijan energy cooperation a global model
Bayraktar emphasized the strong energy cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, describing it as an example for the world, “The energy cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is a model for the world. The projects we have developed here are especially important for Europe’s natural gas supply security.”
“The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline plays a significant role in establishing a more balanced oil supply globally by delivering 700,000 barrels of oil per day to world markets,” he said.
Gas supply from the Caspian Sea and future demand
Bayraktar called for investment in gas production in the Caspian Sea, stating, “We are doing everything we can in this regard. Türkiye is a very large natural gas market. Our domestic market can absorb additional capacities that may come from Azerbaijan for the next 15 years.”
“Türkiye is a growing country in terms of industry and economy, with a rising population. We are confident in making long-term purchasing commitments. We have repeatedly communicated this to our Azerbaijani counterparts and to SOCAR for many years,” he said.
“Once the European Union finalizes its decision, TANAP can also operate at full capacity,” he added.
New pipeline connection to Nakhchivan
Discussing recent developments, Bayraktar pointed out the strategic addition of a new pipeline and he said, “With the Igdir-Nakhchivan Natural Gas Pipeline, a new line has been added between the two countries. Through Türkiye, we have established the infrastructure to supply natural gas to Nakhchivan and our brothers living there for the next 30 years.”
Fourth Türkiye-Azerbaijan Energy Forum to be held in Izmir
Bayraktar announced plans for the next bilateral energy forum and said, “The 4th Azerbaijan-Türkiye Energy Forum is planned to take place in Izmir in September. This forum is important for addressing all energy-related topics, holding intergovernmental meetings, and inviting companies that plan to invest in both countries.”
Renewable energy still a global priority
Bayraktar addressed misconceptions about renewable energy being sidelined amid geopolitical shifts, “The idea that renewable energy has been left behind due to new political developments in the world is incorrect. Investments in energy have shifted toward electricity, and more than 50% of these investments are being made in renewable energy.”
He added that Azerbaijan has strong potential, “Azerbaijan has serious potential in renewable energy. The Nakhchivan region has its own unique capacity. Especially, the offshore wind potential of the Caspian Sea is extraordinarily high. Therefore, delivering this green energy—electricity produced from renewables—to the market and consumption points is also crucial. The export of any potential surplus is now a new project before us.”
Green Energy Corridor to expand regional energy trade
Bayraktar also referenced a multinational green energy project discussed during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP24), “In the project we developed between Bulgaria, Türkiye, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, a study is underway on transferring electricity produced in Azerbaijan to Türkiye and from there to Europe.”
“In a few days, during the annual Southern Gas Corridor meetings, the four countries will sign an agreement. That means electricity transmission lines will be added to the four pipelines we’ve already discussed. We will implement a new project with Azerbaijan that contributes to the energy supply security of both Türkiye and Europe—not only in natural gas and oil but also in electricity,” he concluded.
