Türkiye Could Supply More Gas to Europe

10 Billion Cubic Meters of Natural Gas

Türkiye's role in Europe's energy supply security has become much stronger following the halt of Russian gas deliveries to Europe via Ukraine. Speaking to the Japanese Nikkei Newspaper, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar said that Türkiye is ready to contribute more to Europe's energy supply security.

“If Europe shows political will and commitment, and if additional interconnection investments are made, we can export up to 10 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Central and Eastern Europe via the Balkan Pipeline,” Bayraktar said. 

A lot of investment needed

In an interview with Nikkei, Minister Bayraktar also spoke about the reconstruction of Syria's energy infrastructure. He said that the ministerial delegation that went to Syria last week returned and that the energy infrastructure is not very good and that “a lot of investment is needed.”

“We are already supplying electricity to Syrian cities such as Aleppo and Afrin. We can extend this supply further south. Diesel generator fuel can also be supplied to households.”

A natural gas pipeline could be built from Türkiye to Syria, Minister Bayraktar said, adding that floating power generation plants owned by the private sector could be used if transmission lines are repaired. He called on the global community to help rebuild Syria and end sanctions against Damascus.

Qatar-Türkiye Pipeline

Regarding the revival of a pipeline project from Qatar to Türkiye via Syria, the Energy and Natural Resources Minister said that diversity is good for everyone.

After reaching Türkiye, Qatari gas could reach Europe through swap agreements using the existing pipeline infrastructure in Türkiye, Minister Bayraktar said.

“What is needed for this kind of pipeline is a secure transportation system. That requires a stable Syria, a stable region. All this takes some time,” he said.