Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are preparing to significantly expand their cooperation in renewable energy, with a new agreement expected to add 3,000 megawatts (MW) of planned capacity to projects in Türkiye.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the new agreement would bring the total planned renewable energy capacity under cooperation between the two countries to 5,000 MW. The announcement follows an earlier agreement covering 2,000 MW of renewable energy projects.
According to the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, Bayraktar said the additional 3,000-MW agreement is expected to be signed on the sidelines of the UN Climate Conference in Antalya.
The expanded partnership highlights growing energy ties between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia as both countries seek to increase renewable power generation and strengthen long-term energy security.
Türkiye Expands Energy Capacity
Bayraktar also highlighted Türkiye’s broader progress in the energy and mining sectors over the past two decades.
He said the country’s installed electricity generation capacity had increased from around 32,000 MW to 126,000 MW, with approximately 95,000 MW of new capacity added over the past 24 years.
According to the minister, Türkiye now has one of Europe’s largest electricity systems, ranking third in installed capacity as well as electricity generation and consumption after France and Germany.
He also pointed to increases in domestic energy production, saying oil output had tripled, natural gas production had risen ninefold and mineral exports had increased tenfold.
Bayraktar identified greater energy independence as a central objective of Türkiye’s “Century of Türkiye” vision.
“Our fundamental goal is to make Türkiye energy independent,” he said, describing energy independence as a key long-term priority for the country.
Natural Gas Production Set for Further Growth
Türkiye has also expanded access to natural gas across the country. Bayraktar said that in 2002, natural gas was available in only five provinces, while the fuel now reaches all 81 provinces.
The country is expected to connect its 1,000th settlement to natural gas this year.
Domestic production from the Black Sea is also expected to increase substantially. Bayraktar said natural gas production in the region is projected to double this year and reach four times its current level by 2028.
By then, Türkiye expects domestic Black Sea gas production to supply the equivalent of the natural gas needs of approximately 17 million households.
Oil Production Gains Momentum
Türkiye is also increasing oil production in its southeastern regions.
Bayraktar said daily production from the Gabar oil field has surpassed 83,000 barrels, with more than 3,500 people employed in the area, most of them local residents.
He described the development as an example of how increased energy production could contribute to employment, regional development and lower dependence on imported energy.
Türkiye is also exploring unconventional oil resources in Diyarbakir. Bayraktar said the region could have production potential two to three times greater than Gabar.
Exploration is currently taking place across four fields covering approximately 600 square kilometers, while the wider area with potential resources could extend to around 7,200 square kilometers.
If the unconventional production model proves successful, Türkiye could eventually drill hundreds of wells in Diyarbakir, according to the minister.
Türkiye Seeks New Regional Energy Routes
Bayraktar also discussed regional energy security amid continuing uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the changing regional environment could create opportunities for Türkiye to diversify energy routes and accelerate projects aimed at connecting energy-producing countries with international markets.
Among the proposals under discussion is the possibility of transporting larger volumes of Iraqi oil to global markets through Türkiye and the Ceyhan terminal.
Türkiye is also examining potential routes for Qatari natural gas to reach Europe through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Türkiye. Another possible route could involve Iraq and the Development Road project.
Bayraktar said Kuwaiti oil reaching Türkiye was another option being considered as countries look for more diversified energy corridors.
He argued that the current regional challenges could encourage the development of alternative routes and make energy markets more resilient to future disruptions.
Türkiye Deepens Energy Cooperation With Pakistan
Türkiye is also expanding its energy engagement beyond the Gulf and Middle East.
Bayraktar said Turkish companies are pursuing oil and natural gas exploration projects both onshore and offshore in Pakistan.
The Oruç Reis seismic research vessel is expected to travel to Pakistan in September or October to support exploration activities.
Bayraktar also said he plans to visit Pakistan in the coming weeks to discuss potential cooperation in the mining sector.
The developments underline Türkiye’s broader strategy of expanding international energy partnerships while increasing domestic production, renewable capacity and diversification of supply routes.
