Türkiye and Saudi Arabia announced plans to significantly expand their renewable energy collaboration at the upcoming COP31 climate conference in Antalya, with a new agreement aimed at increasing joint renewable energy projects to 5,000 megawatts. This follows an initial 2,000-megawatt deal signed between the two nations, according to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. The announcement was made during the U.N. Climate Conference, highlighting the growing importance of international partnerships in addressing climate challenges. The expansion of the bilateral agreement comes as part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to enhance energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign imports. Bayraktar emphasized that the country has already achieved substantial progress in energy and mining sectors over the past 25 years. Under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s leadership, Türkiye has quadrupled its installed electricity capacity, from 32,000 megawatts to 126,000 megawatts, with approximately 95,000 megawatts of new capacity commissioned in the last 24 years. These developments position Türkiye as Europe’s third-largest electricity producer, behind France and Germany, in terms of both generation and consumption. In addition to expanding renewable energy initiatives, Bayraktar highlighted advancements in fossil fuel production, including a tripling of oil output and a ninefold increase in natural gas production. Mineral exports have also surged tenfold, reflecting the nation’s efforts to bolster its resource-based economy. Energy independence remains a key priority under Türkiye’s “Century of Türkiye” initiative, with Bayraktar stating that achieving self-sufficiency in energy is among the country’s ultimate goals. Natural gas availability has expanded dramatically within Türkiye, with production now reaching all 81 provinces. The government anticipates doubling Black Sea natural gas output this year and quadrupling it by 2028. By 2028, Bayraktar projected that domestic natural gas would supply energy to 17 million households. In southeastern Türkiye, the Gabar oil field has surpassed 83,000 barrels per day, employing over 3,500 workers, many of whom are local residents. The minister described Gabar as a microcosm of a “Terror-Free Türkiye,” emphasizing how the removal of terrorist influence has spurred economic growth, job creation and regional development. Exploration into unconventional oil resources in Diyarbakır is also underway, with potential reserves estimated to be two to three times greater than those at Gabar. If successful, these projects could lead to hundreds of drilling operations in the region, with current exploratory activities spanning four fields covering approximately 600 square kilometers. The broader potential area extends to 7,200 square kilometers, underscoring the significance of this untapped resource base. Amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Bayraktar noted that the situation could present opportunities for diversifying energy routes and accelerating long-standing infrastructure projects. Discussions during Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi’s recent visit to Türkiye centered on utilizing Türkiye’s ports and terminals, such as the Ceyhan terminal, to transport Iraqi oil to global markets. Additionally, potential pathways for Qatari gas via Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria were discussed, along with routes through Iraq and the Development Road project. The possibility of Kuwaiti oil reaching Türkiye was also under consideration, further illustrating the strategic importance of regional energy corridors. These developments underscore the evolving landscape of energy diplomacy, with Türkiye playing a pivotal role in shaping future energy dynamics in the Middle East and beyond. As the COP31 conference approaches, the focus on renewable energy collaboration between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development and energy security in an increasingly volatile world.
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