Turkey is set to become a major player in Europe’s natural gas landscape with its planned storage expansion. Strategically positioned as a transit hub for gas pipelines from Russia, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Africa, Turkey is on track to secure the continent’s third-largest natural gas storage capacity.
Increasing gas storage capacity is crucial for ensuring a more stable and secure natural gas supply. This strategy reduces reliance on external sources and minimizes risks associated with supply interruptions. Europe currently has around 100 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas storage capacity. Germany leads with a capacity of 24 bcm, followed by Italy at 16 bcm.
With a longstanding history of using natural gas for power generation and heating, Turkey aims to secure the third spot in Europe with a storage capacity of 14.4 bcm. They plan to complete the expansion by 2028. Over the past four decades, Turkey has significantly invested in pipelines, liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, and offshore gas and oil exploration fleets. These moves were to strengthen its supply and processing infrastructure.
A Stride Towards Natural Gas Dominance
Central to this expansion are two key storage facilities. Firstly, the Silivri underground natural gas storage, with a capacity of 4.6 bcm, plays a crucial role. Secondly, the Tuz Golu underground natural gas storage, holding 1.2 bcm, is equally significant. These facilities are vital components of Turkey’s natural gas infrastructure.
Furthermore, in a significant announcement on December 30, Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, unveiled the expansion plan for the Silivri facility. The project aims to increase its capacity to 5.6 bcm, adding an additional billion cubic meters. This ambitious step highlights Turkey’s commitment to shaping its energy future and solidifying its role as a key player in the European natural gas market.
