Türkiye Expands Global Energy Footprint with New Agreements and Offshore Projects

Türkiye is actively expanding its international energy cooperation, targeting new offshore oil and gas fields and building strategic ties across multiple continents, according to Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.

Key Regions: Azerbaijan, Iraq, Russia, and Somalia

“Our immediate focus is on countries where Türkiye already operates—particularly Azerbaijan and the Caspian Basin,” Bayraktar stated, highlighting new offshore investments there.

He added that Türkiye has active interests in northern and southern Iraq, including the Basra region, as well as one oil field in Russia, with plans to expand operations.

Bayraktar emphasized Türkiye’s growing involvement in Somalia, noting that Turkish Petroleum recently signed a contract for three new onshore blocks, complementing the existing offshore exploration zones.

“Seismic data collection in Somalia’s waters will finish by the end of May. Drilling decisions are expected by year’s end,” Bayraktar noted.

Partnerships with Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Libya, Bulgaria, and the U.S.

Türkiye is also partnering with Pakistan’s state energy company for joint offshore exploration projects.

In Turkmenistan, oil and gas field development is already underway, and new agreements with Libya are “on the horizon.”

Bayraktar also revealed that Turkish Petroleum is finalizing a partnership to explore Bulgaria’s maritime economic zone, and recently signed a strategic cooperation deal with Hungary’s MOL Group.

Notably, Turkish Petroleum has entered a new agreement in the United States, focusing on unconventional oil and gas production in four fields in eastern Diyarbakır. This move aligns with Türkiye’s long-term goal of increasing domestic energy capacity.

Domestic Highlights: Sakarya Gas Field and Exploration in Thrace

At home, Türkiye continues to develop the Sakarya Gas Field in the Black Sea, where production has reached 9.5 million cubic meters per day, supplying gas to over 4 million households.

Bayraktar announced that the first phase of Sakarya is complete, with the second phase underway to double current output. Exploration also continues in Diyarbakır and Thrace, targeting both oil and gas reserves.

“This year marks a new milestone for Türkiye’s exploration strategy,” Bayraktar concluded.