Turkey is exploring options to assist Syria in closing its energy gap and fortifying its infrastructure. According to a senior energy official, Ankara is considering collaborating with Syria's new leadership on oil and natural gas initiatives.
Turkey's Efforts to Meet Syria's Energy Needs
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Bayraktar stated that Turkey is actively working on solutions to address Syria's immediate energy requirements. This includes the possibility of importing electricity initially and later focusing on infrastructure enhancements.
Turkey's Role in Rebuilding Syria
Having supported the Syrian opposition forces in ousting long-time ruler Bashar Assad, Turkey has become a key player in Syria's reconstruction. The country has pledged to aid in the rebuilding process following the 13-year civil war.
Plans for Energy Collaboration
Turkey's current supply of around 210 megawatts of electricity to Syria falls short of the war-torn nation's infrastructure capacity. Minister Bayraktar highlighted the need to increase electricity production and discussed potential collaborations on oil and gas resources.
Infrastructure Development in Syria
Bayraktar emphasized the importance of enhancing Syria's infrastructure master plan and potentially extending electricity supply to neighboring countries like Lebanon through Syria.
Turkey's Focus on Nuclear Energy
Looking ahead, Turkey aims to boost its nuclear energy capacity with plans to construct additional nuclear power plants. The country's goal is to reach 7,700 MW of nuclear generation capacity by 2035, ultimately targeting 15,000 MW.
Exploration of Black Sea Gas Reserves
Significant progress has been made in extracting gas from the Black Sea, with production expected to exceed 9 million cubic meters by early 2025. The Sakarya gas field, believed to contain 710 billion cubic meters of gas, plays a crucial role in meeting Turkey's energy needs.
Renewable Energy and Energy Hub Plans
Beyond traditional energy sources, Turkey is focusing on renewable energy projects. Plans include establishing over 6,000 megawatts of new solar and wind energy capacity. Additionally, efforts are underway to create a natural gas hub in Turkey, with discussions on potential collaborations in the sector.