On Friday, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the critical role of energy independence and how recent global crises have underscored the risks of external dependency. Speaking at the Istanbul Energy Forum, he reaffirmed Turkey’s dedication to leveraging all resources to achieve self-sufficiency in energy.
“The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, now exceeding a thousand days, has clearly demonstrated the dangers of relying on foreign energy supplies,” Erdoğan remarked.
Despite these challenges, Turkey has managed this turbulent period effectively due to its balanced relations with both nations involved in the war. In contrast, European countries have grappled with severe energy shortages triggered by the conflict, he added.
Turkey’s Energy Strategy
While Turkey lacks extensive natural oil and gas reserves, it has been investing in energy exploration and renewables, such as wind and solar, for over a decade to meet rising electricity demands. Nuclear power has also become a key component of its strategy to integrate cleaner energy into the national grid.
The president noted that the recent energy challenges highlight the importance of securing energy supplies. He underscored the government’s commitment to reducing reliance on foreign sources while easing the economic strain caused by energy costs.
“We prioritize sustainable energy solutions and reducing dependency on imports because, unlike many neighboring countries, we rely heavily on external energy sources,” Erdoğan stated. “We are determined to move forward confidently, resisting pressures from fringe groups and leaving no area unexplored.”
Even in the absence of an immediate energy crisis, Erdoğan stressed the importance of preparation to safeguard supply security.
Addressing the Economic Impact of Energy Imports
Erdoğan pointed out that Turkey’s energy import bill remains a significant burden on the country’s trade deficit. Last year alone, the cost of energy imports amounted to approximately $70 billion. In 2023, crude oil and petroleum product imports reached 49 million tons, while natural gas imports hit 50 billion cubic meters.
“This hefty energy bill is the primary reason for our trade deficit, and such a high figure poses challenges for any nation,” he said. Erdoğan highlighted the difficulty of sustaining economic growth and development under such circumstances.
Despite these obstacles, Turkey has maintained an average annual growth rate of 5.4% over the past 20 years. “We aim to continue growing above the global average in the coming years,” he added.
Expanding Renewable Energy and Diversifying Resources
As Turkey’s population grows, welfare levels rise, and industrialization advances, the demand for energy increases. Erdoğan stressed the need to maximize all available resources to sustain economic growth and industrial development.
Turkey has made significant investments in clean energy over the past two decades. The share of renewable energy in the country’s total installed capacity has reached 60%, placing Turkey fifth in Europe and 11th globally. The government aims to rank among the top three in Europe and the top nine in the world by 2025.
Current wind and solar energy capacity stands at 31,000 megawatts (MW), with plans to increase this to 120,000 MW by 2035. Additionally, Turkey is working toward the construction of three nuclear power plants, targeting a nuclear generation capacity of 15,000 MW, complemented by 5,000 MW from small modular reactors (SMRs).
Nuclear Energy Projects
The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, currently under construction in the Mediterranean region with Russian cooperation, is a cornerstone of Turkey’s nuclear energy ambitions. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to supply 10% of the country’s electricity needs, eliminate the annual import of 7 billion cubic meters of natural gas, and reduce carbon emissions by 35 million tons.
Turkey also plans to build a second plant in the Black Sea province of Sinop and a third in the northwest region of Thrace. By 2050, the goal is to achieve a nuclear energy capacity of 20,000 MW.
“Our pursuit of nuclear energy not only fulfills a 70-year dream but also contributes to clean energy production and addresses the climate crisis,” Erdoğan said.
Turkey’s Vision for Energy Independence
Erdoğan reaffirmed Turkey’s unwavering determination to achieve energy independence, saying, “No matter the obstacles, we will not allow our country to remain dependent on any external source. We will continue this journey with confidence and resolve.”
With seven natural gas pipelines, two floating LNG terminals, and 15 energy entry points, Turkey is positioning itself as a leading global energy trade hub
