Turkey generates natural gas for approximately 4 million homes and intends to increase production fourfold by 2028, as announced by the Energy Minister.
In a significant move towards energy self-sufficiency, Turkey is aggressively expanding its domestic energy production and investing in renewable and nuclear energy sources. The country's latest achievement is the commissioning of the Osman Gazi floating production platform in the Black Sea, which is expected to double Turkey’s domestic natural gas production, covering nearly 30% of national gas demand.
The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Turkey's first nuclear power station, is a strategic step towards energy independence. When fully operational, Akkuyu’s four units will supply about 10% of the nation’s electricity demand. This project not only secures a reliable, low-carbon domestic energy source but also fosters advanced technological capabilities and industrial ecosystem development within Turkey, with over 350 Turkish companies involved in its construction and technology transfer.
Turkey has made substantial progress in renewable energy, generating 43% of its electricity in 2023 from wind, solar, and hydropower sources. The country is also exploring regional collaboration on renewable energy integration, such as grid connections with neighbouring countries like Syria, enhancing energy security and fostering sustainable growth.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar recently visited Sakarya, where Turkey currently produces enough natural gas from the Sakarya Gas Field to supply four million households. Plans are to double that output next year and quadruple it by 2028, supplying gas to heat 16 million homes.
Turkey's goal is to provide uninterrupted, affordable energy to citizens across all 81 provinces. The government has been providing significant subsidies on electricity and natural gas bills, with over 600 billion lira allocated to energy subsidies in 2025. Adjustments will ensure that these subsidies reach low-income families and retirees.
Achieving this goal is expected to shrink the current account deficit, which is largely caused by energy imports. Turkey spends significant foreign currency annually to meet energy demand for vehicles, households, and industries. Developing domestic energy resources is expected to reduce Turkey's foreign energy dependence.
Under the AK Party's 23 years in government, Turkey's energy capacity has expanded from 30,000 megawatts to 120,000 megawatts. There is more than 3,000 megawatts of installed power capacity in Sakarya, accounting for approximately 1.1% of Turkey's total installed electricity power.
The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, a milestone project representing the largest foreign investment in Turkey's history, is a testament to the country's commitment to energy independence and sustainable growth. The government's ultimate goal is to create a more self-sufficient, resilient, and low-carbon energy system by harnessing domestic nuclear, hydrocarbon, and renewable resources.
- The Turkish government is also investing in the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which, upon completion, will contribute 10% to the nation's electricity demand, fostering technological advancement and industrial growth.
- Turkey's energy industry has significantly diversified, with the country generating 43% of its electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower.
- In the oil-and-gas sector, Turkey is looking to increase its domestic natural gas production from fields like the Sakarya Gas Field, with plans to double output next year and quadruple it by 2028.
- The expansion of domestic energy production, coupled with significant subsidies on energy bills, is aimed at reducing Turkey's foreign energy dependence and shrinking its current account deficit, primarily caused by energy imports.
