Türkiye to channel Turkmenistan gas to Europe
Chinese workers in Xinjiang inspect a pipeline arriving from Central Asia. (Photo via China Daily)
Türkiye is advancing its goal of becoming a central energy hub with plans to transport Turkmen gas to Europe via Azerbaijan.
The preparations for this significant energy project are nearly complete, with the first phase set to deliver 2 billion cubic meters of gas to Türkiye.
Strategic energy cooperation
Utilizing its geopolitical strength, Türkiye is preparing to facilitate the transit of Turkmenistan’s gas to Europe. This move is especially crucial in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has prompted Europe to seek alternative energy routes.
Türkiye-Turkmenistan energy partnership
Turkmenistan is a vital alternative energy source for Europe, but Türkiye’s involvement is essential for gas transit.
Initially, a memorandum of understanding was established between Türkiye and Turkmenistan, highlighting significant collaborations in natural gas and hydrocarbons. Subsequently, Türkiye and Azerbaijan signed a Natural Gas Cooperation Agreement.
Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar recently concluded a crucial two-day visit to Turkmenistan, where natural gas and oil were the primary topics of discussion.
The plan involves initially transporting 2 billion cubic meters of Turkmenistan’s gas to Türkiye annually, to increase this capacity over time.
Selling Turkmenistan gas through Türkiye not only supports Europe’s energy needs but also strengthens Türkiye’s position as a strategic energy trade hub, as President of Russia Vladimir Putin also mentioned before.
The project underscores Türkiye’s commitment to becoming a central player in the global energy market and creating a safer environment for gas trade, which is in danger these days.
