Türkiye is set to embark on a complex drilling project targeting oil in the western Black Sea, marking a significant step in its ongoing initiative to boost domestic energy reserves. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has acknowledged the technical challenges posed by the drilling process, which may extend its duration. By 2026, Türkiye aims to complete six exploratory drilling operations across the western, central, and eastern sections of the Black Sea.
In recent years, Türkiye has significantly enhanced its offshore exploration capabilities, now boasting a fleet of six deep-water drilling vessels. Currently, several of these vessels are actively engaged in exploration and development endeavors in the Black Sea region. This expansion reflects Türkiye’s broader strategy to decrease reliance on imported energy by bolstering local production capacities.
Efforts to increase gas production from the Black Sea are underway, with Türkiye planning to double output by the end of the year. Discoveries since 2020 have raised the estimated reserves in the region to approximately 785 billion cubic meters. At present, the daily production stands at around 9.5 million cubic meters, meeting the natural gas requirements of roughly 4 million households. By 2028, the goal is to elevate annual production to between 16 and 17 billion cubic meters.
Additionally, Türkiye is amplifying its LNG infrastructure and enhancing pipeline networks as part of its ambition to become a pivotal energy transit hub in the region. The government is exploring new potential pathways for transporting gas from the Middle East to European markets, aiming to solidify its role in the global energy landscape.