Türkiye hopeful that Black Sea gas will allow to decrease energy imports by 25%

The Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Fatih Donmez, said that proven gas reserves in the Black Sea can cover the needs of the republic for the next 30 years.

He made this statement while speaking at the "The Century of Türkiye in Energy" forum, as reported by the Yeni Şafak publication. 

Donmez noted that considering the newly discovered deposits, this period will be even longer. According to him, the first phase of gas extraction from the depths of the Black Sea is planned for March 2023.

He further said, that the republic has completed the construction of a natural gas processing plant, which will receive gas from the sea, adding, that specialists have begun testing the facility for commissioning step by step.

Donmez expressed hope that Türkiye will be able to cover a quarter of its gas demand, which will allow for gas imports to be reduced by a quarter.

"As you know, our dependence on foreign natural gas exceeds 95%. I hope that in time the Black Sea gas will ease this burden", the minister said.