Objective conditions seem to favor them Turkish ambitions: vast area, suitable weather conditions, immediate proximity to one Europe with huge energy Needs. “With the facilities already completed, the country currently produces 7.8 gigawatts of solar energy and 10.7 gigawatts of wind energy,” he said. Ezer Ozdil, associate of the Atlantic Council in Turkey. “By the end of the year, the Ministry of Energy wants to have completed projects for the additional production of three gigawatts from renewable sources.”
Traditionally the Turkey took care to invest in Hydropower. In recent months, it has been promoting photovoltaic panels on the roofs of residential and public buildings. An EU official told DW that “the country has achieved an impressive spread of renewable sources, which now reach 44% of the total energy mix”. For years the country has aspired to become an important energy supplier. However, Turkey’s own energy needs are growing rapidly, limiting its export potential. Now the country is trying to invest in green hydrogen, focusing mainly on the markets of Southeast Europe.
Waiting for the Akuyu nuclear power plant
Hydroelectric power can prove to be a wish, but also a curse. As is the case in many neighboring countries, Turkey is plagued by long periods of drought. “In 2021, the drought negatively affected Turkey, which was forced to turn to natural gas,” she said. Aura Sampadous, Associate of ICIS (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services) based in London. “Thus, the total gas consumption for 2021 exceeded 60 billion cubic meters, compared to 48 billion in 2020.”
In order to stabilize the situation, Turkey is investing in gas infrastructure, but also in the new nuclear power plant being built in Akuyu. “Until Akougiou is operational, it remains unclear how the energy market will fluctuate,” said Charles Ellinas, a former head of the Cyprus energy program and a partner of the Atlantic Council. “The construction has been undertaken by a Russian company, delays are not ruled out after the latest geopolitical developments.” Maybe Russia itself now has an incentive to postpone the inauguration of Akuyu after 2023. However, already in 2021 Turkey renewed the contract for the supply of gas, which it had signed with Russia. “With the Turkish economy in full swing, the rising cost of importing energy is a threat to the country’s fiscal stability,” warns the Atlantic Council researcher.
Is Turkey more “cooperative” due to the crisis?
It is noteworthy that the developments in Ukraine lead Ankara to a more moderate stance towards countries such as Egyptthe Israelτα United Arab Emirates and – more recently – the Hellas. “Until now, experts have seen Turkey seek access to energy resources through conflict rather than cooperation,” said Charles Ellinas, who described his recent meeting as “encouraging”. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Better interconnection of countries in the region may promote further dialogue. An important step is Cyprus-Crete pipeline. At the same time Turkish companies invest in Albaniathe Kosovo and others Balcan countries with priority in transport liquefied natural gas (LNG)as Turkey already has four LNG terminals, while a fifth is under construction.
A special bet is the green hydrogen technology. Aura Sampadous notes that “Europeans will have to meet one third of their hydrogen needs with imports from third countries, but so far they have not even included Turkey in their future strategy. It would be an important opportunity for cooperation for all those interested “. Turkish experts estimate that by 2025 or 2030 at the latest, existing gas pipelines could be used, by 10%, for hydrogen transport – preferably with preferential EU funding.
DW / Sergio Matalucci / Editor: Giannis Papadimitriou
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