Türkiye has announced the discovery of a new natural gas reserve in the Black Sea, estimated at 75 billion cubic meters (bcm), an asset expected to strengthen the country's energy security and reinforce its ambitions to become a regional energy hub.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed the find on May 17, revealing that the high-tech drilling vessel Abdulhamid Han located the reserve at a depth of 3,500 metres at the Goktepe-3 well. The site lies 69 kilometers west of the Sakarya Gas Field and 165 kilometers offshore.
Drilling, logging and testing operations began on March 27 and lasted around 50 days. The discovery was officially announced on May 16. With an estimated market value of $30 billion, the reserve is believed to be capable of meeting the country's residential gas demand for up to three and a half years.
- "We've developed serious expertise in the Black Sea"
Speaking to Anadolu, Oguzhan Akyener, head of the Ankara-based think tank Energy Strategies and Policies Research Centre (TESPAM), said the discovery was the result of continued, methodical exploration in the region.
"There has been a step by step drilling program to explore promising structures around the Sakarya Field," Akyener said and added, "Each test enhances our understanding of the reserve potential."
He estimated that if the entire 75 bcm volume is producible and priced at 15 Turkish lira per cubic meter, the find could be worth approximately 1.2 trillion lira, roughly $30 billion at current exchange rates.
Akyener noted that production at the site will be phased in over time.
"We've developed serious expertise in the Black Sea, and existing infrastructure makes it easier to bring new reserves online." he said.
- Total reserves rise to 785 bcm
According to Akyener, the latest discovery brings Türkiye's total natural gas reserves in the Black Sea to 785 bcm, up from 710 bcm.
Akyener emphasized that this is a highly encouraging development. He said, "Our current account deficit is significantly driven by energy imports. Every cubic meter we produce reduces our reliance on external supplies."
Initial assessments at Goktepe-3 will remain at the testing level before full development plans are put in place.
"Even if production only begins 10 years from now, and we reach a peak of 5–6 bcm annually, that still amounts to about 7–8% of Türkiye's current annual consumption, which is around 60 bcm. But that's just one scenario, details will depend on development decisions by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources," he said.
- Türkiye boosts gas exports
Akyener pointed out that energy discoveries play a supportive role for Türkiye's position in the international arena.
"Türkiye has now increased its leverage in the game. It has become a central player, not just politically or militarily, but diplomatically as well. And it is now cementing that status through energy," he said.
"Recent finds, gradual increases in domestic production particularly in Gabar and Türkiye's active involvement abroad, including in Somalia, are all part of this broader vision," he added.
He said that Türkiye is steadily transitioning from a gas importer to a gas exporter.
"We're now exporting gas. According to recent statements from the energy minister, we're working on supplying gas to Syria, in addition to ongoing exports to Balkan nations. Deliveries to Nakhchivan also continue," Akyener said.
"These developments are consolidating Türkiye's position as a natural gas trading hub. Each new discovery should be seen not just in terms of energy, but also within this broader geopolitical framework."
Reporting by Fuat Kabakcı
Writing by Humeyra Ayaz
Anadolu Agency
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