NEWS CENTER - Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, who made evaluations to CNN TÜRK reporter Doğa Başak Öztürk about Turkey's energy policies, renewable energy investments, nuclear projects and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean at the COP31 Climate Summit, explained Turkey's road map to energy independence.
Speaking to CNN TÜRK correspondent Doğa Başak Öztürk, Bayraktar stated that 2027 will be a critical turning point in oil and natural gas production. At the COP31 Climate Summit, Turkey's energy policies, renewable energy investments, nuclear projects and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean were on the agenda.
Stating that Turkey has a 35 percent electrification target by 2035, Minister Bayraktar said that concrete steps should now be taken in the fight against climate change.
Bayraktar said, "We are living in very golden years as we approach 2050, the most critical times in the fight against climate change in the world. During this period, the world must take some actions seriously and boldly."
Stating that they presented Turkey's National Energy 2040 vision to the international public, Bayraktar said, "Let it be time to take action from commitments, new figures and new targets."
THE TARGET IN NUCLEAR ENERGY IS 20 THOUSAND MEGWATTS
Referring to Turkey's nuclear energy investments, Bayraktar announced that they aim to reach 10 thousand megawatts of nuclear installed power by 2040 and 20 thousand megawatts by 2050.
Stating that the construction of four reactors at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is continuing, Bayraktar said that they hope the first reactor will be commissioned in the coming weeks.
Bayraktar said, "A 70-year-old dream of Turkey will come true. We will have produced the first electricity."
Bayraktar stated that international negotiations continue regarding the nuclear power plant projects planned in Sinop and Thrace and small modular reactors, and that they aim to clarify the technology selection and financing packages in 2027.
Pointing out that financing is of critical importance in new nuclear projects, Bayraktar stated that an investment of 30-40 billion dollars is needed for a power plant.
“Türkiye WILL PROVIDE ITS OWN OIL”
Minister Bayraktar emphasized that oil and natural gas production has an important place in Turkey's energy independence goal.
Announcing that the daily oil production in Gabar reached 84-85 thousand barrels, Bayraktar said that with the new discoveries, the production will exceed 100 thousand barrels.
Stating that 2027 will be a milestone in this regard, Bayraktar announced that there are approximately 135 million barrels of additional reserves with two new discoveries made in Mardin and Şırnak.
Bayraktar stated that the current economic value of the reserve in question is approximately 13-14 billion dollars and said, "We aim to put it into production as soon as possible and exceed the 100 thousand barrel threshold. We hope to do this in 2027."
Stating that Turkey not only increases the current production but also continues to search for new reserves, Bayraktar said that production continues in Batman and Adıyaman, as well as the work in Gabar and Diyarbakır.
Pointing out that the need for gasoline and diesel will decrease with the widespread use of electric vehicles, Bayraktar stated that they aim for Turkey to reach a point where it can meet all of its oil and natural gas needs from its own resources by 2040, or even earlier if possible.
“OUR PRODUCTION WILL DOUBLE IN SAKARYA”
Minister Bayraktar, who also made important statements about natural gas production in the Black Sea, announced that it is aimed to double the production in the Sakarya Gas Field in 2027.
Bayraktar said, "2027 is again important in the Sakarya Gas Field. Because our production there will double. We will now be able to supply the natural gas of 8 million homes with our own gas."
Emphasizing that the increase in domestic oil and natural gas production will directly contribute to Turkey's energy supply security, Bayraktar stated that exploration activities at home and abroad will continue.
“WE WILL SEND ELECTRIC CABLES FROM TURKEY TO CYPRUS”
Minister Bayraktar, who made evaluations to CNN TÜRK regarding the electricity connection projects that are on the agenda in the Eastern Mediterranean, explained Turkey's solution proposal for the electricity needs of Cyprus.
Stating that electricity production on the island causes high emissions, Bayraktar said that cleaner and more affordable energy can be provided with a 70-80 kilometer power line that can be established between Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Bayraktar said, "We say let's bring an electric cable through Türkiye. We have the chance to bring electricity produced from renewable energy in Turkey to the island."
Emphasizing that the project is technically and commercially feasible, Bayraktar stated that the electricity connection can also serve the south of the island, thanks to agreements that can be made with European companies.
However, Bayraktar stated that political disagreements pose obstacles to the projects and said that energy should be considered as a tool for peace and cooperation in the region.
Stating that he also discussed the issue with European Union Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, Bayraktar said, "Turkey's win-win projects, that is, projects to use energy as an element of peace, should be supported."
Bayraktar stated that Turkey will continue to develop alternative solutions and continue its initiatives in this direction.
"THE WORLD MAY BE DRAWN INTO A BIGGER CRISIS"
Making evaluations regarding global energy security, Bayraktar said that world energy markets are facing serious risks.
Stating that the crises that started with the pandemic and continued with wars increased energy costs, Bayraktar drew attention to oil, natural gas and coal prices, as well as security problems in energy supply routes.
Recalling the developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and the Black Sea, Bayraktar stated that energy facilities, pipelines and tankers have become the targets of attacks.
Bayraktar said, "We want to provide cheap energy, but energy is expensive. We want to provide uninterrupted energy, there is always a problem in the energy routes."
Stating that Iran is an important oil and natural gas producer but has been facing sanctions for many years, Bayraktar warned that new attacks in the region could further negatively affect the global energy supply.
Bayraktar said, "In case of new attacks, world oil markets and world energy markets face the risk of being dragged into a bigger crisis."
Stating that Turkey's investments in renewable energy, electrification, nuclear energy and domestic resources are important for energy independence, Bayraktar emphasized that it has become increasingly critical for countries to evaluate their own resources against global energy crises.
