Erdogan: Türkiye must accelerate gas extraction, expand global energy reach

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for an acceleration in natural gas extraction and further diversification of Türkiye’s energy portfolio, highlighting the country’s recent advancements in the sector.

Speaking to journalists aboard his flight back from Hungary on May 22, Erdogan emphasised that the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant has marked a new chapter for Türkiye's energy independence.

“We have taken revolutionary steps in the field of energy,” Erdogan said, according to comments published by Anadolu Agency. “We are fighting for Türkiye to achieve independence in the energy sector, just as we are in every other field. We have made very serious investments in this area.”

Erdogan underlined the country’s broader strategy to reduce dependence on foreign energy and meet domestic needs through self-sufficiency and innovation. “We are also trying to diversify our energy resources and reach a level that will satisfy our own energy requirements,” he said. “Thanks to the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, we have elevated our country into an entirely different league.”

He pointed to the Sakarya gas field in the Black Sea as a major milestone, calling its discovery “a turning point for Türkiye” in terms of energy self-sufficiency.

“Now we must extract more natural gas, and do it faster,” the president urged. “We need to deliver this gas to our citizens at more affordable prices. And this will be done.”

Erdogan also revealed that Türkiye is actively expanding its capabilities in energy exploration, particularly through investment in new vessels. “We are currently purchasing new ships for seismic research and drilling,” he said. “With these, we will not only continue explorations in the Black Sea but also extend our activities to other regions of the world.”

He cited Somalia as an example of Türkiye’s growing global exploration efforts. “At present, the ship Oruç Reis is working in Somali waters,” he noted.

According to Erdogan, Türkiye now possesses six to seven such specialised vessels and is seeking to broaden its operations with them. “We are looking for opportunities to expand our efforts using these ships,” he added.

By Tamilla Hasanova