Türkiye Explores New Routes for Turkmenistan's Energy Resources
Türkiye is taking consistent steps to diversify its energy supply and establish a stable logistic chain in the region. In a recent statement to the Turkish media, Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, highlighted the strategic potential of transporting natural gas from Turkmenistan via Azerbaijan.
The initiative for the transit of Turkmen gas has remained on the agenda for many years. Currently, shifts in the global energy market and the increasing demand for new sources have further elevated the importance of this project. Minister Bayraktar noted that the implementation of this initiative aligns with the interests of not only Türkiye but also European nations, and serves to strengthen regional cooperation.
To increase the flexibility of energy logistics, Türkiye aims to develop alternative routes for oil and gas transportation. In particular, new projects are being proposed to reduce dependence on the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s largest oil corridor—and to maintain supply stability.
- Iraq Route: A new oil pipeline to be constructed from southern to northern Iraq is considered one of the most promising projects.
- Kirkuk-Ceyhan Pipeline: This 650 km pipeline has been actively used for 50 years. There are opportunities to further improve this route with the participation of Turkish companies.
According to analyses, utilizing the Kirkuk-Silopi oil pipeline at full capacity could generate an annual revenue of approximately 60 billion dollars. This translates to additional economic opportunities and the creation of new jobs for the countries in the region.
Leveraging its favorable geographical location, Türkiye aims to serve as a reliable bridge for bringing Turkmenistan's rich energy resources to the global market. New infrastructure projects will lay the foundation for both economic growth and a new era of energy security in the region.
