Türkiye increases domestic gas production to meet needs of 5M households – Türkiye Today

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced a significant increase in Türkiye’s domestic natural gas production.

Currently producing enough gas for 2.4 million households, Türkiye plans to double its daily output from 5.5 million cubic meters to 10 million cubic meters within the coming months. This increase will meet the needs of 5 million households.

Visit to Trabzon

Minister Bayraktar visited Trabzon for various programs. He toured the Botanic Park’s social facilities and received updates from Mayor Ahmet Metin Genc.

Bayraktar also visited the Trabzon Governor’s Office, Municipality, and ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Provincial Presidency, followed by participation in the Energy Coordination Meeting at the Trabzon Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Türkiye’s energy strategy

Highlighting the 22-year energy policy of the ruling AK Party, Bayraktar emphasized reducing energy dependency as a critical goal. He noted Türkiye’s growing energy demand due to population growth, economic expansion, and urbanization. To address these challenges, Türkiye is focusing on local and renewable energy sources.

Renewable energy potential

Bayraktar underlined Türkiye’s vast potential in solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy. The country plans to increase its installed capacity from 27,000 megawatts to an additional 60,000 megawatts by 2035, targeting 5,000 megawatts of new solar and wind investments annually.

National Energy Efficiency Action Plan

The 2024-2030 National Energy Efficiency Action Plan aims for a $20 billion investment to improve energy consumption by 16%. The goal is to create a less energy-intensive industry, building sector, transportation, and agriculture.

Shift in energy exploration

Since 2016, Türkiye has intensified its search for oil and gas both on land and in deep-sea areas. This strategic change has led to significant discoveries, including the 2020 Sakarya Gas Field, the largest natural gas find in Türkiye’s history.

Expanding natural gas distribution

Bayraktar noted that natural gas, once available in only five provinces, is now distributed across all 81 provinces. The government has invested in a 200,000-kilometer (124274.2-miles) pipeline network, reaching 860 settlements nationwide.

Increasing domestic oil production

Türkiye’s domestic oil production has also surged. From producing 35,000 barrels per day in 2016, the country now aims for 100,000 barrels per day by year-end, largely driven by discoveries in regions previously affected by terrorism.

Nuclear energy ambitions

Türkiye is also progressing in nuclear energy, with the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant set to start its first reactor soon. This project is a step towards fulfilling the country’s 70-year ambition of generating electricity from nuclear power. By 2050, Türkiye aims to have a nuclear capacity of 20,000 megawatts.

Supporting industry, innovation

Minister Bayraktar assured continued support for industrialists and investors, highlighting the importance of energy efficiency and competitiveness. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing affordable energy solutions to sustain economic growth and development.

Bayraktar concluded with a vision of a stronger, energy-independent Türkiye, with a robust economy and high income levels.

He stressed the importance of political stability in achieving these energy goals and maintaining investor confidence.