On Saturday (May 17), Türkiye discovered a total of 75 billion cubic meters of new natural gas reserves in the Black Sea Goktepe-3 well. President Recep Tayyip
Erdogan said this discovery was an important step towards energy independence and enhancing geopolitical influence.
The reserve is proved by Abdulhamid Han, one of the most advanced deepwater drilling ships in Türkiye, at a depth of about 3500 meters. Goktepe-3 block is located 69 kilometers west of Sakaria gas field and 165 kilometers away from the coast.
The drilling, testing, and logging operations started on March 27th and officially announced their discovery on May 16th after 50 days.
This reserve, valued at 30 billion US dollars, is expected to meet the natural gas demand of Türkiye's households for about three and a half years.
We have accumulated important professional skills in the Black Sea
Augustan Akyener, chairman of Türkiye Energy Strategy and Policy Research Center (TESPAM), said that in recent years, systematic exploration has been carried out in the Black Sea area (especially around the Sakaria gas field).
The new gas bearing formations are constantly being tested and evaluated, "Akyenel said." Calculated at 15 lire per cubic meter, 75 billion cubic meters is equivalent to about 1.2 trillion lire - about 30 billion US dollars at the current exchange rate
He added that the extraction will be gradual: "We will not extract all 75 billion cubic meters at once. If the annual maximum production reaches 6 billion cubic meters, the extraction cycle will last for many years. But I believe that the national oil company can manage efficiently. We have accumulated rich experience in Black Sea operations, and with the help of existing infrastructure, expansion will be easier
The total reserves of the Black Sea reach 785 billion cubic meters
Akyenell revealed that Türkiye's total proven natural gas reserves in the Black Sea currently amount to 785 billion cubic meters.
He pointed out: "This is a major positive for the country. China's current account deficit remains high, and energy imports are one of the main reasons. Every new cubic meter of domestic natural gas will help reduce external dependence. The output will depend on the development plan formulated by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. For example, if mining starts in 10 years and reaches full production, the annual mining output may reach 5-6 billion cubic meters, covering 7% -8% of Türkiye's current annual consumption of about 60 billion cubic meters."
The reserve is proved by Abdulhamid Han, one of the most advanced deepwater drilling ships in Türkiye, at a depth of about 3500 meters. Goktepe-3 block is located 69 kilometers west of Sakaria gas field and 165 kilometers away from the coast.
The drilling, testing, and logging operations started on March 27th and officially announced their discovery on May 16th after 50 days.
This reserve, valued at 30 billion US dollars, is expected to meet the natural gas demand of Türkiye's households for about three and a half years.
We have accumulated important professional skills in the Black Sea
Augustan Akyener, chairman of Türkiye Energy Strategy and Policy Research Center (TESPAM), said that in recent years, systematic exploration has been carried out in the Black Sea area (especially around the Sakaria gas field).
The new gas bearing formations are constantly being tested and evaluated, "Akyenel said." Calculated at 15 lire per cubic meter, 75 billion cubic meters is equivalent to about 1.2 trillion lire - about 30 billion US dollars at the current exchange rate
He added that the extraction will be gradual: "We will not extract all 75 billion cubic meters at once. If the annual maximum production reaches 6 billion cubic meters, the extraction cycle will last for many years. But I believe that the national oil company can manage efficiently. We have accumulated rich experience in Black Sea operations, and with the help of existing infrastructure, expansion will be easier
The total reserves of the Black Sea reach 785 billion cubic meters
Akyenell revealed that Türkiye's total proven natural gas reserves in the Black Sea currently amount to 785 billion cubic meters.
He pointed out: "This is a major positive for the country. China's current account deficit remains high, and energy imports are one of the main reasons. Every new cubic meter of domestic natural gas will help reduce external dependence. The output will depend on the development plan formulated by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. For example, if mining starts in 10 years and reaches full production, the annual mining output may reach 5-6 billion cubic meters, covering 7% -8% of Türkiye's current annual consumption of about 60 billion cubic meters."
Türkiye Expands Natural Gas Export Territory
Akyener also stressed the geopolitical impact: "Türkiye has consolidated its position not only politically and militarily, but also in diplomacy. Energy is the core of this strategy. These findings, together with the increase in production of the Gabar gas field and international projects such as Somalia, have jointly strengthened China's role as an energy hub."
He said that Türkiye is turning from a natural gas importer to an exporter: "We have supplied gas to the Balkan countries, and now Syria will join. According to the latest statement of the Minister of Energy, we are developing an export plan to Syria, and the gas transmission to Nakhichevan will also continue. Each new discovery brings us closer to our goal of becoming a key participant in regional natural gas trade."