President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on November 23 stressed the critical importance of energy and said recent regional crises highlighted the risks of external dependency, affirming Turkiye's efforts to deploy all resources to ensure self-sufficiency. “The war between Russia and Ukraine, now surpassing its thousandth day, has particularly highlighted the risks of dependency on foreign energy sources," Erdogan told the Istanbul Energy Forum.
Still, Turkiye has been one of the countries that best navigated this turbulent period thanks to balanced relations with both warring parties, the president said. In contrast, European nations have directly felt the energy crisis triggered by the war and faced severe difficulties, he added. Turkiye has limited oil and natural gas resources and has been investing in explorations for hydrocarbon resources and renewable sources like wind and solar for over a decade to meet its increasing electricity demand. It has been looking to embrace nuclear power as part of its renewable energy push, seeking to integrate cleaner resources into its energy mix.
The recent challenges have underscored the vital importance of energy supply security, Erdogan said, stressing that the government attaches great importance on reducing external dependency and alleviating the pressure that energy costs exert on the economy. “We prioritize ensuring sustainability in energy, reducing dependency on foreign sources, and alleviating our energy costs because, unlike many surrounding countries, we are a nation that must purchase most of its energy from abroad," he noted. "With the goal of a fully independent Turkiye in energy, we continue on our path with confident steps, without neglecting any area and without yielding to pressures from marginal groups," he added.
Even though there is no current crisis, Erdogan said "it is always necessary to be prepared to ensure energy supply security." The president went on to highlight Turkiye's hefty energy import bill, which he says is the biggest burden on the nation's trade deficit. Turkiye had to pay approximately $70 billion for energy imports only last year. In 2023, crude oil and petroleum product imports reached 49 million tons, and natural gas imports reached 50 billion cubic meters, said Erdogan. "This energy bill is the biggest reason for our trade deficit, and it represents a significant amount for any country," he noted. Ensuring sustainable economic development and growth with such a heavy import item is not easy, he stressed. "Turkiye has achieved the difficult and, over the past 20 years, has grown by an average of 5.4% per year. Hopefully, in the coming period, we will continue to grow above the world average," he added.
Erdogan stressed ever-growing energy needs as the population increases, the welfare level rises, and industrialization advances. "To maintain economic growth, public welfare, and the country's industrialization and development without compromise, we must mobilize all available resources," he said. Based on these realities, Erdogan said Turkiye strives to maximize its potential in all areas, from mining to oil and natural gas, and from wind to solar energy. "No matter what anyone says, we are determined not to make our country dependent on anyone in any field, including energy. We will not back down from this," said the president.
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