Turkish energy minister stresses international cooperation amid global uncertainties

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has underscored the critical importance of international collaboration in addressing global energy challenges, stating that political will and partnership are indispensable for navigating current geopolitical uncertainties.

Speaking during a ministerial panel at the Libya Energy and Economy Summit 2026 in Tripoli, Bayraktar identified supply security as Türkiye's foremost energy priority. He projected that the nation's energy demand will triple over the coming three decades, a forecast he believes may be exceeded due to emerging factors like artificial intelligence and data center expansion.

Comprehensive National Strategy

Bayraktar outlined a multi-faceted policy framework designed to tackle Türkiye's key challenges: securing supply, reducing import dependency, and achieving climate objectives, including the carbon neutrality target set for the early 2050s. Renewable energy forms the cornerstone of this approach, with Türkiye adding 8-9 gigawatts of new solar and wind capacity annually. Concurrently, the country is advancing its nuclear energy program, expecting its first reactor at the Akkuyu plant to commence operations this year.

Expanding International Footprint

The minister announced Türkiye's intention to significantly increase its energy activities in Libya, both onshore and offshore, highlighting ambitious joint targets with Libyan counterparts. This international expansion is part of a broader strategy that includes partnerships with global energy firms like Chevron and ExxonMobil, as well as projects across Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. Bayraktar revealed targets for the national oil company to reach half-a-million barrels per day of production by 2028, with an ultimate goal of one million barrels.

Production Growth and Diversification

Domestic production successes were also highlighted, including output from the Sakarya Gas Field in the Black Sea, which is expected to double this year, and the Gabar oil field in southeastern Türkiye. To mitigate market volatility, Ankara is actively diversifying its supply portfolio through long-term agreements, primarily with U.S. exporters. Bayraktar concluded that a distinct "Turkish path" emphasizing political determination and robust international alliances is vital for building a sustainable and secure energy future.