Türkiye to supply half of households with domestic natural gas by 2026: Erdogan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivers remarks at the Istanbul Energy Forum in Istanbul, Turkiye on November 22, 2024. (AA Photo)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Türkiye’s plan to supply half of its households with domestically produced natural gas by 2026.
‘War shown the risks of foreign dependence on energy’
Speaking at the Istanbul Energy Forum, Erdogan highlighted the progress in domestic energy production, including a significant increase in natural gas output.
President Erdogan highlighted that daily production in the Sakarya Gas Field has reached 7 million cubic meters, boosting Türkiye’s total domestic production to 8 million cubic meters.
He also emphasized the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, now entering its thousandth day, and the risks of foreign energy dependence.
“Türkiye has navigated this challenging period better than most countries, thanks to the balanced relations it has maintained with both sides,” Erdogan added.
Future expansion with new platforms
Erdogan revealed plans to introduce a new floating production platform by 2026, which will increase daily production to 20 million cubic meters. “This will enable us to meet half of our households’ natural gas needs with domestic resources,” he said.
He also emphasized that without valuing humanity and the environment, the global economy cannot prosper, energy security cannot be ensured, and world peace cannot be achieved.
Regarding energy investments, Erdogan pointed out that once fully operational, the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant will meet 10% of Türkiye’s electricity needs and prevent the release of 35 million tons of carbon emissions.
Harnessing Türkiye’s energy potential
Türkiye’s energy sector has undergone transformative changes in recent years, including advances in renewable energy and offshore drilling. Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye’s investments in energy resources are aimed at achieving full independence.
“Our goal is to make the best use of our natural resources, from natural gas to renewable energy,” he stated.
Looking ahead, he shared Türkiye’s ambition to reach a nuclear energy capacity of 20,000 megawatts by 2050. Additionally, Türkiye aims to rank among the top three in renewable energy in Europe and the top nine globally by 2025.
Erdogan also noted that Türkiye has the potential to become one of the world’s leading energy trade hubs, with seven natural gas pipelines, two floating LNG terminals, and 15 entry points.
Investments in exploration and sustainability
Beyond domestic gas, Türkiye is exploring abroad for gold, President Erdogan says, adding that they plan to start work in one of Niger‘s gold mines next year. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to sustainable energy, with initiatives to expand renewable energy capacity and reduce carbon emissions.
“Our Oruc Reis vessel has started operations in three fields in Somali waters. I firmly believe that we will receive good news from these efforts as well,” he said.
