Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has called for increased pipeline capacity with Greece and Bulgaria to enhance natural gas exports to Southeast Europe. Speaking at the Atlantic Council Regional Clean and Secure Energy Conference, Bayraktar highlighted Türkiye’s strategy to play a more significant role in the region’s energy security.
Türkiye’s energy transformation strategy
During his address, Minister Bayraktar emphasized Türkiye’s multi-dimensional energy transition strategy, focusing on five key areas: renewable energy, energy efficiency, nuclear energy, natural gas as a transitional fuel, and mining for energy transformation. He reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to decarbonization and its goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2053.
Bayraktar pointed out that Türkiye ranks fifth in Europe and 11th globally in renewable energy capacity, highlighting plans to add 5,000 megawatts of solar and wind energy annually until 2035.
Strengthening gas exports to southeast Europe
Türkiye has signed agreements with countries such as Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Serbia, positioning itself as a key natural gas exporter. Bayraktar stated that 2024 is a pivotal year for long-term LNG agreements, with the United States becoming one of Türkiye’s top LNG suppliers.
He emphasized the need to expand the capacity of existing gas pipelines with Greece and Bulgaria to increase exports and improve energy security in the region. “We are committed to investing in these pipelines to ensure gas diversification and supply security for Southeast Europe,” Bayraktar said.
Türkiye’s renewable energy expansion
Bayraktar also revealed an ambitious renewable energy program that aims to triple Türkiye’s renewable energy capacity from 30,000 megawatts to 90,000 megawatts by 2035. He noted that the country’s renewable energy strategy for 2035 will be publicly released soon.
