In his speech at the 2026-2027 Academic Year Opening Ceremony of Ankara University, Bayraktar evaluated the developments in global energy markets, Türkiye's energy policies and targets for the next period.
Stating that there are three main issues for which Türkiye is seeking solutions in the field of energy, Bayraktar stated that these are meeting the increasing energy demand, reducing foreign dependency and achieving climate goals. Bayraktar noted that energy efficiency is also among the priority areas.
Bayraktar stated that renewable resources have an important place in Türkiye's energy policies and continued as follows:
"In addition to solar and wind, hydroelectric and geothermal resources also need to be evaluated in harmony with the environment. By 2040, Turkey aims to provide 70 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy sources. This is a very important and ambitious target. Renewable energy investments are important in terms of strengthening energy supply security, reducing external dependency and contributing to climate goals. In addition, Türkiye needs to evaluate different resources together to meet its increasing energy needs. 20 billion in energy efficiency in the 2024-2030 period." dollar investment is targeted."
Crises affect the global economy
Stating that the world is facing political and security crises as well as the energy crisis, Bayraktar said that the Covid-19 epidemic, the Russia-Ukraine War, trade wars, logistics problems and breaks in supply chains affect the global economy.
Bayraktar stated that Israel's attacks in Gaza and the US/Israel-Iran War that started on February 28 also increased global uncertainties, and noted that the world is going through a period in which the energy and security architecture is being reshaped.
Emphasizing that energy directly affects the daily life and economic future of countries, Bayraktar said, "Uninterrupted, high-quality and affordable access to energy has become important. Global developments have led countries to re-evaluate energy supply security. Turkey has also invested in many different areas to reduce its vulnerabilities in the energy field in this process." he said.
Bayraktar stated that artificial intelligence technologies will increase the need for uninterrupted electricity due to data centers, and the spread of electric vehicles will reduce dependence on oil imports.
Türkiye aims to increase domestic production of oil and natural gas
Stating that Türkiye's energy imports are one of the important reasons for economic vulnerabilities, Bayraktar stated that efforts to increase domestic production in oil and natural gas are continuing.
Bayraktar stated that Türkiye has switched to a new strategy in oil and natural gas exploration activities since 2016 and continued as follows:
"We focused on exploration activities with domestic ships, engineers and technical facilities. Natural gas production in the Black Sea is one of the important results of these studies. Today, approximately 4 million households use domestic natural gas. With the commissioning of the Osman Gazi floating production platform, it is aimed to double the production in the Black Sea as of 2027. Thus, it will contribute to reducing Türkiye's external dependence on natural gas."
Referring to energy activities abroad, Bayraktar stated that oil exploration activities are continuing off the coast of Somalia and that activities in the field of oil and natural gas are planned in countries such as Libya and Pakistan.
Bayraktar also drew attention to the importance of oil production in Şırnak Gabar and said that approximately 85 thousand barrels of daily production are made in the region and these activities contribute to local employment.
Stating that nuclear energy investments are continuing in order to diversify energy sources, Bayraktar stated that the completion of the four reactors at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is important for Türkiye's energy goals.
Reminding that another field of study in Türkiye is mines, Bayraktar said, "Critical minerals and rare earth elements are of strategic importance for artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and the defense industry. Bringing these resources into the economy in accordance with environmental and occupational safety standards will reduce foreign dependency." he said.
Ankara University rose to the top league in the national and international arena
Ankara University Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Ünüvar stated that they aim to carry the university's 80-year institutional history to the future with its scientific knowledge, and drew attention to the responsibility of universities to produce scientific solutions to social problems.
Stating that Ankara University, which is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its official establishment, has a longer historical past, Ünüvar said:
"Ankara University sees itself as responsible not only for preparing students for the future, but also for providing solutions to the country's current problems. Over the years, the university's research performance has improved and it has risen to the top of national and international lists. In addition, the university will continue to assume responsibility for social issues such as the fight against terrorism, prevention of addiction and the humanitarian situation in Gaza."
Following the speeches, the 53.1 megawatt solar power plant established by Ankara University in Şabanözü district of Çankırı was opened.
