Turkey Strikes Major Natural Gas Find in Black Sea
Turkey has uncovered a significant natural gas reserve in the Black Sea, boosting its energy ambitions. The discovery of 75 billion cubic meters, valued at $30 billion, marks a step toward energy independence.
Announced on May 17, 2025, this find could power Turkish homes for years. Here’s a detailed look at the development, its background, confirmation, and how Turkey plans to use this resource.
Discovery Details
On May 17, 2025, Turkey revealed a new natural gas reserve in the Black Sea’s Goktepe-3 well. The reserve holds 75 billion cubic meters of gas, enough to meet residential demand for about 3.5 years. Drilling began on March 27, 2025, using the advanced Abdulhamid Han ship. After 49 days, the operation confirmed the find.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the discovery in Istanbul, calling it a milestone for Turkey’s energy sector. The reserve’s economic value is estimated at $30 billion, making it a major boost for the economy. This discovery builds on Turkey’s ongoing exploration in the Black Sea, where it has been ramping up efforts to reduce reliance on imported energy.
Background of Turkey’s Black Sea Exploration
Turkey’s quest for energy independence has intensified in recent years. The country imports nearly 70% of its energy, mainly gas from Russia and other nations. In 2020, Turkey found the Sakarya gas field, its largest Black Sea reserve, with 710 billion cubic meters.
Production there now supplies 9.5 million cubic meters daily, powering 4 million households. The Sakarya project set the stage for further exploration, like Goktepe-3. Turkey’s Black Sea efforts aim to cut import costs and strengthen energy security. The region’s deepwater reserves are challenging to extract, but Turkey has invested in advanced drilling ships and platforms. This latest find near Bulgaria’s maritime border shows Turkey’s growing expertise in offshore exploration.
Who Confirmed the Discovery?
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially confirmed the discovery during a speech in Istanbul. He detailed the Goktepe-3 well’s success and its potential to meet household gas needs. The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), which led the drilling, verified the reserve’s size through tests.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also supported the announcement, highlighting Turkey’s progress in Black Sea production. The Abdulhamid Han, a seventh-generation drilling ship, played a key role in the operation. These confirmations from top officials and TPAO lend credibility to the find, sparking optimism about Turkey’s energy future.
How Turkey Plans to Utilize the Gas
Turkey will develop the Goktepe-3 reserve using the Sakarya project’s existing floating production platform. This approach cuts costs and speeds up production.
Erdogan stated the gas will primarily supply homes, covering residential needs for over three years. The government aims to expand Black Sea output to reduce imports, saving billions in foreign exchange. Some gas could also feed industrial sectors, boosting economic growth. Turkey is exploring export options through pipelines like the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP). However, domestic use remains the priority to stabilize energy prices and shield consumers from global market swings.
This discovery strengthens Turkey’s position as a regional energy player. It reduces dependence on foreign gas, easing economic pressure from import costs. Erdogan vowed to continue exploration in the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and even Somalia, where Turkey has oil and gas deals.
The find could attract foreign investment and partnerships, enhancing Turkey’s offshore capabilities. However, challenges remain, including complex logistics through the Bosphorus Strait and potential geopolitical tensions with neighboring countries.
