Turkey will continue on its path toward achieving complete energy independence, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, noting that the country aims to reduce external dependence and become an international energy hub.
Speaking at the 11th Energy Efficiency Forum and Exhibition at the Istanbul Congress Center, Erdoğan said: “As in all fields, so in energy, we will continue working tirelessly until we achieve the goal of a fully independent Turkey.”
He said Turkey has made significant investments to diversify energy sources and ensure security of supply. “Buying natural gas on international markets is not like buying soft drinks from a corner shop,” he remarked, noting that Ankara now cooperates with 34 countries on gas imports and exports, up from just five in 2003.
Referring to Black Sea natural gas, he said four million households are currently supplied from the Sakarya field, a figure that will rise to eight million in 2026 and 16 million in 2028.
Nuclear power coming soon
Erdoğan reiterated that “very soon” Turkey will start generating and distributing electricity from the Akkuyu nuclear power plant. He also said Ankara is continuing talks on new nuclear projects with China and the United States, citing a recently signed Strategic Agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with Washington for the development of small and advanced reactors.
At the same time, Turkey has already lifted the renewables share above 60% of total generation, he said, with a target of net-zero emissions by 2053.
“Energy efficiency is the cleanest and cheapest form of energy,” Erdoğan added, saying investments in efficiency delivered 700 million Turkish lira in savings in 2024 alone.
Turkish Cypriots will not be left alone
Meanwhile, speaking later from the 12th Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), Erdoğan said the Turkic world “will not leave our Turkish Cypriot brothers alone”.
In his speech at the OTS in Gabala, Azerbaijan, the Turkish president expressed his support for a two-state solution in Cyprus, and welcomed the participation of Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar.
Strategic outpost
Speaking at the summit, Tatar described northern Cyprus as the Turkic world’s strategic outpost in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“It will be our honor to contribute to the Turkic world’s objectives in energy security, maritime commerce and regional peace,” he added.
On the Cyprus problem, he reiterated his vision of a two-state settlement as “the only path that reflects realities on the island.”
Tatar alleged that the Republic of Cyprus has stepped up armaments, endangering both the island and Eastern Mediterranean security. He said the Turkish Cypriots have always sought a solution based on their own will, equality and mutual respect.
The Turkish Cypriot leader expressed the aim to establish a Turkish Youth Academy in the north to bring together young people from the Turkic world.
Source: CNA