Türkiye builds global energy footprint amid TPAO-led expansion

Türkiye is intensifying its global energy ambitions through the international expansion of its state-controlled Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), aiming to boost its combined domestic and overseas hydrocarbon production from approximately 330,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day to nearly 600,000 by 2028, with long-term goals of reaching 1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, according to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. This strategic push includes partnerships across multiple continents, from the Middle East and Africa to Europe and Central Asia, as part of a broader effort to position TPAO as a leading international energy player. The expansion is centered on increasing production from key assets such as the Sakarya Gas Field, alongside growing operations in diverse regions. Bayraktar emphasized that Türkiye’s overseas investments are designed to enhance both oil and natural gas output while simultaneously exporting Turkish technological know-how, financial resources, and operational capabilities to international markets. The government’s vision involves leveraging TPAO’s role as a central pillar of this strategy, reinforcing its status as a globally competitive energy entity. A pivotal milestone in this international outreach came in Iraq, where TPAO secured a 15% stake in BP Energy Company of Kirkuk Limited, positioning itself as a partner with BP and ConocoPhillips in several oil-rich fields, Baba, Avanah, Bai Hassan, Jambur, and Khabbaz. These fields are estimated to hold over 3 billion barrels of oil equivalent, offering substantial growth potential. Bayraktar outlined the immediate objectives of developing current reserves, boosting production levels, and exploring further untapped resources within these fields. In Somalia, TPAO has made notable strides with the deployment of the Oruç Reis seismic research vessel, which completed 234 days of offshore surveys across three blocks. Based on the findings, the ministry confirmed plans to initiate drilling operations. The Çağrı Bey, a cutting-edge deep-sea drilling vessel, is now engaged in the Curad-1 well off Somalia, marking Türkiye’s inaugural deep-sea exploration drilling project outside its borders. This initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to tapping into previously unexplored marine hydrocarbon reserves. Meanwhile, in Libya, TPAO has entered into production-sharing agreements covering both onshore and offshore zones, signaling a renewed focus on strengthening ties with North African nations. These agreements are expected to elevate the level of Türkiye-Libya energy collaboration while enhancing TPAO’s regional influence. Similarly, in Oman, TPAO has inked a Concession Agreement and Joint Operating Agreement for Block 80, contributing to its ongoing efforts to solidify a foothold in the Gulf region. Looking ahead, TPAO is also advancing operations in other parts of Africa, including Guinea-Bissau, Angola, and Liberia, each presenting unique opportunities for resource development. The Oruç Reis is set to transition to Pakistan following the monsoon season to commence seismic data collection, further broadening Türkiye’s energy footprint. Additionally, ongoing discussions with Syrian counterparts aim to foster deeper cooperation in oil and mining sectors. In Azerbaijan, TPAO continues to play a vital role in the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli and Shah Deniz projects, underscoring its established presence in the Caspian Sea region. A recent agreement signed on June 1 outlines a long-term supply arrangement between Türkiye, BOTAŞ, Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR), TotalEnergies, and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), ensuring Türkiye receives 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from 2029 onward. This agreement reinforces the strategic importance of Azerbaijani energy resources to Türkiye’s national energy security. Furthermore, TPAO is collaborating with Hungarian firm MOL on seismic exploration initiatives and engaging in joint exploration ventures with Shell in Bulgaria’s Black Sea territories. These varied collaborations reflect the breadth of TPAO’s international engagement and its determination to diversify and strengthen its global energy infrastructure.