BOTAŞ marks its 50th anniversary
The Petroleum Pipeline Transportation Corporation (BOTAŞ) has left half a century behind. Founded on August 15, 1974, a ceremony was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the company. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, who attended the event organized at BOTAŞ, said “Türkiye has become a leading country that produces its own natural gas, has diversified its supply sources, has export capability thanks to its strong infrastructure and supply portfolio, and contributes to the supply security of its region and Europe. In this sense, BOTAŞ is the brand and flag carrier of our country.”
Deputy Minister Nevzat Şatıroğlu, EMRA President Mustafa Yılmaz, BOTAŞ General Manager Abdulvahit Fidan, and executives and employees also attended the 50th anniversary celebration ceremony. Minister Bayraktar delivered a speech after the screening of a video depicting 50 years of BOTAŞ and stated that many successful projects that strengthen Türkiye's position as an energy hub location have been realized through BOTAŞ.
12 Billion Cubic Meters Storage Target
Minister Bayraktar stated that they have implemented two underground storage projects in Silivri and Tuz Lake to ensure security of supply in energy and said, “As of today, Silivri has a total natural gas storage capacity of 5.8 billion cubic meters (bcm), 4.6 bcm in Silivri and 1.2 bcm in Tuz Lake. In the next 5 years, we aim to reach a total storage capacity of 12 bcm in our country. With this, we will be able to store 20 percent of the natural gas used by our country annually.”
5-fold increase in 8 years
Stating that FSRUs are one of the most important elements of Türkiye's strong infrastructure in natural gas, Minister Bayraktar stated: “As of today, we have increased our LNG receiving capacity by 5 fold in 8 years. We have increased our daily LNG receiving capacity from 30 million cubic meters (mcm) in 2016 to approximately 160 mcm today. In this way, Türkiye has the infrastructure to easily supply half of the gas it needs with liquefied natural gas.”
Trade with 34 Countries
Bayraktar also mentioned that Türkiye currently trades natural gas with 34 different countries and added, “In order to become a natural gas hub, we need a strong infrastructure and a strong and large market.”
Flag Bearer
“The flag carrier of our country's brand in this sense is BOTAŞ.” emphasized Minister Bayraktar, continuing that Türkiye has become a leading country that produces its own natural gas, has diversified its supply sources, has strong infrastructure and supply portfolio and export capability, and contributes to the supply security of its region and Europe.
Natural Gas Networks
Noting that they have brought natural gas to 862 settlements and 212 Organized Industrial Zones in 81 provinces, Bayraktar said, “Approximately 72 million citizens have access to natural gas. We have 20 thousand kilometers of transmission and 200 thousand kilometers of distribution lines. We have almost covered the whole country with natural gas networks.”
Plaque to the Most Senior Employee
During the ceremony, Minister Bayraktar presented a plaque as the most senior employee to Ayhan Öndül, who has been working as a senior office manager at the Ceyhan oil operation for 41 years, having joined the company at the age of 18. After signing the 50th anniversary book of honor, Minister Bayraktar took a souvenir photo with BOTAŞ personnel.