Türkiye aims to store 20% of annual natural gas consumption by 2029
Fatih and Kanuni drilling ships are seen as Kanuni drilling vessel completed the flow test of Turkali-2 well at Sakarya Gas Field, in Zonguldak, Türkiye on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Celal Gunes via Anadolu Agency)
Türkiye plans to increase its natural gas storage capacity to 12 billion cubic meters over the next five years, allowing the country to stockpile 20% of its annual consumption, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Friday.
BOTAS celebrates 50 years: Key milestones and future goals
Speaking at the 50th anniversary of Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS), Türkiye’s state-owned oil and gas pipeline company, Bayraktar discussed the country’s strategic developments in natural gas and pipeline infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of BOTAS in advancing Türkiye’s energy security and independence.
“By reaching a storage capacity of 12 billion cubic meters, we will be able to store 20% of the natural gas our country uses annually,” Bayraktar said during the ceremony.
Bayraktar outlined BOTAS’ history, noting that it was established on Aug. 15, 1974, to transport Iraqi crude oil to the Mediterranean port of Iskenderun.
Over the years, BOTAS has expanded its operations to include several key pipelines, including the Ceyhan-Kirikkale and Batman-Dortyol pipelines, and has facilitated the transport of approximately 14.5 billion barrels of oil through its 3,382-kilometer network.
Expanding LNG and storage capabilities
Bayraktar highlighted BOTAS’ significant role in Türkiye’s natural gas sector since 1986. He pointed to the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), which has delivered 28.5 billion cubic meters of gas to Türkiye since its inception in 2018, and the TurkStream project, which has brought approximately 40 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to Türkiyee since 2020.
Türkiye currently has a natural gas storage capacity of 5.8 billion cubic meters, including 4.6 billion cubic meters at the Silivri facility and 1.2 billion cubic meters at the Tuz Golu facility.
The planned increase in storage capacity to 12 billion cubic meters is a critical step in ensuring Türkiye’s energy security.
Bayraktar also noted that Türkiye’s daily liquefied natural gas (LNG) intake capacity has grown substantially, from 30 million cubic meters in 2016 to 160 million cubic meters today. “This expansion enables Türkiye to comfortably meet half of its gas needs through LNG,” he said.
BOTAS: A pillar of Türkiye’s energy strategy
In addition to LNG and storage projects, BOTAS has become a significant player in the global natural gas trade. The company now trades natural gas with 34 countries, including Azerbaijan, Algeria, and the United States.
Bayraktar underscored BOTAS’ transformation from a gas importer to a gas exporter, contributing to Türkiye’s role as a leader in regional and European energy security. He praised BOTAS as a symbol of Türkiye’s energy independence, adding that the company continues to implement projects that support the country’s long-term energy goals.
BOTAS Acting General Manager Abdulvahit Fidan echoed Bayraktar’s sentiments, highlighting the company’s evolution from a crude oil transporter to a leader in natural gas production, energy management, and international projects. Fidan emphasized BOTAS’ commitment to advancing Türkiye’s energy independence and security.
“With the energy vision set by our Ministry, BOTAS is moving forward confidently into the new energy century, determined to implement steps that will guarantee our energy security,” Fidan said.
