Sakarya gas production to increase fivefold by 2028, says Turkish Minister Bayraktar

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that gas production from the Sakarya Gas Field is set to increase fivefold by 2028. He stated that the current output already meets the natural gas needs of 3 million households in Türkiye.

Türkiye aims for energy independence through domestic resources

Speaking at an iftar program organized by the National Turkish Student Union, Bayraktar highlighted the country’s increasing energy demand driven by its young population and growing economy. He noted that Türkiye’s oil and natural gas demand has tripled in the last 23 years.

He emphasized the significance of the National Energy and Mining Policy launched in 2016, aiming to reduce external energy dependence and establish national energy independence.

“Energy independence is a matter of national security for us,” Bayraktar said.

Sakarya Field’s next milestone expected in April

Bayraktar detailed the progress at the Sakarya Gas Field, which saw the largest natural gas discovery in the history of the Republic on August 21, 2020.

“We brought the gas ashore in less than three years. Today, we are able to meet the natural gas needs of 3 million households. Hopefully, we will reach a new milestone in April. We will increase current production by 25%.

By 2028, we will be producing five times more gas, fully meeting the gas needs of households in Türkiye,” he said.

Gabar oil output approaches 100,000 barrels daily

Turning to domestic oil production, Bayraktar said that Türkiye currently imports 92 percent of its oil. However, he emphasized significant output from Gabar, previously known for security concerns.

“There is intense activity in Gabar. In mountains once inaccessible due to terrorism, over 90 wells are now in operation. We have reached 80,000 barrels of daily oil production. We are producing Türkiye’s highest-quality oil there. With God’s permission, we will exceed 100,000 barrels,” he stated.

International exploration efforts expanding

Bayraktar underlined that Türkiye now owns some of the world’s most modern seismic and drilling ships, capable of drilling up to 12 kilometers below the surface.

He also noted ongoing energy and mining exploration activities in countries, including Somalia, Libya, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and across Africa.

The minister added that Türkiye aims to produce approximately 3.5 tons of gold from its first gold mine in Niger by 2026.