Energy today is far more than a basic input that heats our homes, powers industry, or fuels vehicles. It has become a decisive force shaping diplomacy, triggering wars, accelerating technological transformations, and defining the global power balance. For Türkiye, it is time to shift from playing a passive role to becoming a grandmaster on this global chessboard.
From Corridor to Player: Türkiye’s New Energy Vision
For decades, Türkiye has defined itself as an “energy corridor,” a transit hub for pipelines and LNG terminals. While that role remains strategically important, the global energy game is now being dominated by those who set the prices, direct flows, drive innovation, and contribute to regional security. Türkiye must evolve into more than just a passageway — it must become an energy power center.
This is a feasible ambition. But it will require more than pipelines: it demands advanced regulations, competitive market reforms, smart digitalization, deep-rooted innovation, and above all, a credible and effective energy diplomacy.
Strong Fundamentals, But Gaps to Fill
Türkiye is among the few countries that have managed to diversify its gas supply, sourcing from Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, Qatar, Algeria, Nigeria, and the United States. Our LNG infrastructure is robust, and the symbolic development of the Black Sea gas fields marks a milestone toward national energy independence. In renewables, Türkiye has reached 33 GW of installed capacity. Solar and wind energy will play a critical role in our energy future. Our electricity transmission grid is connected to Europe and extends eastward via Georgia and Iraq.
Yet, Türkiye still spends more than $50 billion annually on energy imports. Projects like the Akkuyu Nuclear Plant increase strategic dependency on Russia. Despite growth, our renewables sector is highly import-dependent, and local R&D and manufacturing are lagging. Moreover, our carbon-intensive industrial base is increasingly misaligned with the European Green Deal.
Türkiye must now shift from being a heavy energy consumer to becoming a producer of technology, a hub of innovation, and a competitive player in global markets.
TPAO’s International Expansion: Energy Diplomacy in Action
Türkiye has begun taking bolder steps to extend its energy influence beyond its borders, especially through TPAO (Turkish Petroleum Corporation). Recent agreements with Libya, Somalia, and Pakistan demonstrate this strategic pivot.
Following the 2019 Maritime Delimitation Agreement, TPAO has deepened cooperation with Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC). It now actively explores offshore blocks in western Libya. Technical discussions have been progressing to establish joint activities and capacity building.
In early 2024, Türkiye signed a landmark agreement with Somalia, granting TPAO the right to conduct petroleum and gas exploration in Somali waters. These activities include seismic research and drilling. Should these operations yield results, Türkiye will gain a stronger foothold as a global energy player while contributing to Somalia’s energy development.
TPAO has a longstanding presence in Pakistan, particularly in the Sindh region, where it conducts natural gas exploration. Recently, Türkiye and Pakistan signed new cooperation protocols, expanding joint exploration efforts and technical collaboration between Turkish and Pakistani field teams.
These ventures are not merely energy deals — they are manifestations of Türkiye’s broader energy diplomacy. They align with the country’s goals to reduce energy import dependency, promote national energy autonomy, and build global influence. If successful, these projects will not only boost Türkiye’s energy resources but also contribute to creating national energy champions capable of competing internationally.
Türkiye Must Build Its Own Energy Champions
It is no longer enough to own energy resources. The real differentiators today are globally competitive companies backed by sound strategic thinking. Countries like South Korea (KEPCO) and China (State Grid) have built global giants in the energy sector. Türkiye must follow suit. Companies like BOTAŞ, TPAO, Karpower, BGN, Enerjisa, Zorlu, Aksa, and YEO should be supported in their efforts to evolve into global actors. This requires not just corporate ambition but also state-level strategies, international partnerships, targeted investments, and a skilled talent pool.
Green Transformation: Bold Commitment, No Hesitation
One common misconception in energy transitions is that we must move away from energy-intensive industries. But Türkiye cannot abandon sectors where it holds global competitive advantages, such as cement, steel, aluminum, ceramics, and glass. Instead, these industries must be integrated into the green transition through:
Environmental responsibility and economic competitiveness can — and must — coexist.
No Longer a Pawn: Time to Become a Rook
Türkiye can no longer afford to remain a passive importer or transit route in the global energy equation. It must become a dynamic, technology-producing, finance-generating, export-capable, and diplomatically skilled energy powerhouse. This transformation depends not just on natural resources but on vision, knowledge, strategy, and international credibility.
Türkiye faces two clear paths: Either continue as a pawn, reacting to others’ moves, or rise as a rook —shaping its own strategy, commanding space, and protecting its interests.
This is the time to move beyond megawatts and start developing a mega-strategy. One that is grounded in the rule of law, sustainable development, private-public partnerships, and technological innovation. Such a strategy will not only secure our energy future —it will strengthen our economic independence, fulfill our environmental commitments, and ensure reliable, clean, and affordable energy for all.
Let us hope that our energy ventures — at home and abroad — succeed, and that we can finally claim our place among the global energy champions.
Chairman, Global Resources Partners, UK, and The London Energy Club. Former diplomat, prime minister adviser, IEA and OECD senior executive, director and independent board member at British Gas, Genel Energy, Invensys, Şişecam, Yaşar Holding companies. Chairman of the Middle East Institute, Washington DC, Advisory Board. He can be contacted at [email protected]
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