Türkiye is set to embark on drilling an oil-focused well in the western Black Sea, marking a significant step in its efforts to bolster domestic oil and natural gas reserves. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that this drilling operation will present technical challenges and could require substantial time to complete. The nation has outlined plans to execute six exploration wells throughout the western, central, and eastern Black Sea by the year 2026.
In recent years, Türkiye has significantly enhanced its offshore exploration capabilities, now possessing a fleet of six deep-water drilling vessels. Several of these vessels are actively engaged in exploration and development activities within the Black Sea region. This development is part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to expand its energy resources and reduce reliance on imported energy.
By the end of this year, Türkiye aims to double its production from the Black Sea gas fields. Following multiple discoveries since 2020, the estimated reserves of Black Sea gas have reached approximately 785 billion cubic meters. Currently, the production stands at around 9.5 million cubic meters per day, which is sufficient to meet the natural gas needs of roughly 4 million households. Projections indicate that by 2028, the production could scale up to 16–17 billion cubic meters annually.
Strengthening domestic production is a crucial aspect of Türkiye’s energy strategy, which also involves expanding its LNG infrastructure and enhancing pipeline connections. The country is actively exploring additional routes to transport gas from the Middle East to European markets, reinforcing its aspiration to become a regional energy transit hub.