Türkiye, Azerbaijan supply energy to support Syria’s recovery — minister PHOTO

Türkiye, in cooperation with Azerbaijan, is supplying natural gas and electricity to Syria as part of efforts to support the country’s post-conflict recovery and long-term development, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar said.

Speaking at the International Energy Forum “Ayder” in the northeastern Turkish province of Rize, Bayraktar stressed that Ankara views energy resources not as a source of conflict, but as a tool for peace, stability and shared prosperity, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Citing Syria as an example, the minister noted that years of devastating conflict have given way to a process of reconstruction and normalisation. “Today, Türkiye, together with Azerbaijan, is delivering gas to Syria to contribute to the country’s redevelopment. We are also supplying electricity and implementing numerous projects across various sectors,” Bayraktar said, emphasising the principle of mutual benefit.

Bayraktar also highlighted Türkiye’s broader energy strategy, which aims to reduce dependence on external suppliers while expanding international cooperation. He noted that Türkiye’s demand for electricity and natural gas has tripled over the past 20 years and is expected to triple again over the next three decades.

According to the minister, Türkiye’s energy import bill reached between $60 billion and $70 billion in certain years, underlining the importance of diversifying energy sources and boosting domestic production. At the same time, Turkish energy companies are actively implementing projects abroad, including in Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia.

Turning to nuclear energy, Bayraktar described the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant as the fulfilment of a “70-year dream” for Türkiye. He said electricity generation at the plant, located in Mersin province, is set to begin this year with the commissioning of the first of four reactors. Once fully operational, Akkuyu is expected to provide around 10 per cent of Türkiye’s total electricity output.

Bayraktar also confirmed Türkiye’s plans to build additional nuclear power plants in Sinop and Thrace, as well as develop modular nuclear facilities. By 2050, these projects are expected to enable Türkiye to generate up to 20,000 megawatts of electricity.

The minister concluded by reaffirming Ankara’s readiness to deepen cooperation with neighbouring countries, including contributing to the energy security of Europe.

By Vugar Khalilov