Young People Used to Join the Mountains, Now They Work in Oil Production

Bayraktar answered journalist Ahmet Hakan’s questions on CNN Türk’s Neutral Zone program.

Voluntary Returns Will Increase

Minister Bayraktar emphasized that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has instructed efforts to normalize life in Syria, noting that the energy infrastructure there is severely lacking. He stated that they had sent two separate expert delegations to Syria, and resolving infrastructure issues would increase voluntary returns to the country.

Electricity and Natural Gas to Aleppo

Bayraktar mentioned plans for a high-level visit to Syria once governance matures and interlocutors are clarified. He stated that 210 megawatts of electricity are currently being supplied to operational areas in Syria and that they are exploring ways to extend this to southern regions. Bayraktar highlighted that they could extend the existing natural gas line from Kilis to Aleppo and said, “We could start exporting up to 500 megawatts of electricity to Aleppo within six months. Within a year, the power plant in Aleppo could be supplied via pipeline.”

Syria’s Oil Production

Bayraktar recalled that Syria was producing 630,000 barrels of oil daily in the early 2000s, adding, “With proper field studies and seismic surveys, potential could increase. Maintenance and operation could raise these figures further.”

127,000 Barrels

Bayraktar stated that daily oil production of 71,000 barrels is currently being achieved from 75 wells in Gabar, emphasizing that this is among the highest-quality oil by global standards. “The annual economic value of 71,000 barrels is $2 billion. Our goal in Gabar is 100,000 barrels. Our daily oil production in Turkey has reached 127,000 barrels. In the past, terrorism fed on people’s lack of hope and dreams. Now, those young people are working in oil production,” he said. Bayraktar also noted that achieving energy independence is Turkey’s ultimate goal, adding that Turkey produces 41,000 barrels of oil daily abroad.

Reduced Drilling Costs

Bayraktar stated that the Oruç Reis seismic research vessel conducted its first overseas operation in Somalia under the Turkish Petroleum Corporation’s management. He explained that the vessel is mapping the Somali seas and has completed one-third of its designated area. Bayraktar stressed the importance of making drilling decisions based on seismic studies and highlighted the development of capabilities in Black Sea and Mediterranean exploration, which reduced drilling costs by 80-90%.

Natural Gas for Homes from the Black Sea

Bayraktar announced that daily production at the Sakarya Gas Field has reached 7 million cubic meters, meeting the natural gas needs of 3 million households. He stated that with the floating production facility being prepared in Çanakkale set to become operational in 2026, daily production will increase to 20 million cubic meters. Bayraktar said: “By 2028, Turkey will be able to meet the natural gas needs of all homes from Black Sea production.”

A Silent Revolution

Bayraktar highlighted a silent revolution in renewable energy, stating that all the electricity used in homes in Turkey is now generated from wind and solar energy. He noted that if this electricity were produced using natural gas, it would have resulted in an $8 billion bill. He also announced plans to increase wind and solar energy capacity to 120,000 megawatts by 2035.

High Consumption Group

Describing 2025 as a period of reform and new investments in energy, Bayraktar stated that they aim to streamline permitting processes for renewable energy projects. He mentioned state subsidies for electricity and natural gas bills, noting that 3% of total subscribers in the high consumption group would bear their own electricity costs.

Possible Adjustments

Bayraktar said, “Considering inflation, there may be a one-time adjustment or regulation during the year. We will evaluate costs and global developments, but we intend to proceed through the first quarter as is.”

Record Exports in Boron

Bayraktar stated that state support for natural gas and electricity amounted to 430 billion lira in 2024, adding that a record was achieved in boron production. He highlighted that boron exports exceeded $1.3 billion, with 97% of boron production being exported.