Bayraktar: Turkey Can Supply More Gas to Europe

Turkey is ready to contribute more to Europe’s energy supply security, stated Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar in an interview with the Japanese Nikkei newspaper.

Following the halt of Russian gas shipments to Europe via Ukraine, Turkey's role in ensuring Europe's energy security has significantly strengthened. Bayraktar emphasized that if Europe demonstrates political will and commitment, along with making additional interconnection investments, Turkey could export up to 10 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Central and Eastern Europe through the Balkan Pipeline.

In an interview with Nikkei, Minister Bayraktar also discussed the reconstruction of Syria's energy infrastructure. He mentioned that a delegation from the ministry had just returned from Syria and noted that the energy infrastructure is in poor condition, stating that “a lot of investment needs to be made.”

Bayraktar indicated that electricity is currently being supplied to Syrian cities such as Aleppo and Afrin, and this supply could be extended further south. Additionally, diesel generator fuel could be provided to households.

He highlighted that a natural gas pipeline could be constructed from Turkey to Syria, and if the transmission lines are repaired, private sector-owned floating power plants could be utilized. He called on the global community to assist with Syria's reconstruction and to lift sanctions on Damascus.

Regarding the revival of a pipeline project from Qatar to Turkey via Syria, the Minister stated that diversity is beneficial for everyone. Bayraktar explained that once Qatari gas reaches Turkey, it could be transported to Europe through existing pipeline infrastructure using swap agreements.

“What is needed for such a pipeline is a secure transport system, which requires a stable Syria and a stable region. All of this will take some time,” he concluded.