Black Sea Gas: Turkey Accelerates and Aims to Become a Regional Energy Hub

In recent years, Turkey has intensified its efforts to consolidate its role in the Eurasian energy landscape, driving forward the development of new resources in the Black Sea and fostering strategic regional partnerships in the oil & gas sector. The acceleration of offshore gas production and the strengthening of ties with neighboring countries reveal a clear objective: to become a key energy hub between Europe and Asia.

Offshore Production in the Black Sea Gains Momentum

At the heart of this strategy lies the Sakarya gas field, located in the western Black Sea, which marks the largest natural gas discovery in Turkey’s history. Following initial exploration phases that began in 2020 and the start of production in 2023, the Turkish government announced in 2025 a significant increase in output, with the goal of reaching a capacity of 15 million cubic meters per day by the end of the year.

This growth is supported by a modern infrastructure network and new drilling platforms, including the Fatih vessel, which played a crucial role in the exploration and drilling operations. The extracted gas is transported to the onshore Filyos facility, where it undergoes processing before distribution.

An Ambitious Goal: Becoming an Energy Hub

However, this production expansion is not an end in itself. Turkey is aiming to transform into a regional energy hub capable not only of meeting its domestic demand but also of supplying gas and transportation services to neighboring countries, including Southeast Europe, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated Turkey’s intention to offer competitive supply contracts, leveraging both its domestic reserves and logistical capabilities. These include existing pipelines such as TANAP (Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline) and new corridors currently under development.

With its strategic location between Asia and Europe, Turkey has the potential to become a central node linking energy producers and consumers, acting as a balancing and intermediary force at a time when energy security is more critical than ever.

Regional Partnerships at the Core of the Strategy

In addition to pursuing energy self-sufficiency, Ankara is actively engaging in energy diplomacy, forging strategic alliances with countries like Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Romania, and Hungary. Its longstanding cooperation with Azerbaijan is now expanding into new areas, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) and joint offshore projects.

With Bulgaria, Turkey recently signed an agreement granting Sofia access to its regasification terminals, enabling faster and safer supply of non-Russian gas. Such deals strengthen Turkey’s position as an alternative energy supplier and contribute to the diversification of energy sources for various EU member states.

Energy as a Geopolitical Lever

The current geopolitical context—marked by conflicts in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine—has exposed the vulnerabilities of European energy systems. In this scenario, Turkey’s role as a potential stabilizing actor becomes increasingly evident.

Ankara has also intensified its dialogue with the European Union, positioning itself as a reliable energy partner capable of ensuring steady flows and managing the complexity of multi-source supply chains. This positioning provides Turkey with both a diplomatic and economic lever to bolster its influence across the Eurasian region.

Opportunities for the Private Sector and Foreign Investment

The expansion of activities in the Black Sea and the opening of new regional markets also carry significant economic implications. The Turkish government has expressed a strong interest in attracting foreign investment for exploration, extraction, and logistics projects, offering incentives for technology, engineering, and infrastructure companies.

Joint ventures have already been established between the state-owned Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and international companies interested in offshore field development, bringing expertise, capital, and innovation. This openness presents an opportunity for suppliers and contractors in the oil & gas sector, particularly those specializing in modular systems, gas treatment, drilling, and compression technologies.

The Strategic Importance of the Filyos Facility

The operational core of Turkey’s new energy frontier is the Filyos Natural Gas Processing Facility—a modern plant designed to process gas extracted from the Black Sea. With an initial capacity of 10 million cubic meters per day, the facility is already undergoing expansion to accommodate the growing volumes.

Its location on Turkey’s northern coast enables rapid distribution to industrial and urban areas, while also serving as a dispatch point to neighboring countries. The Filyos Complex is not just a technical asset—it is a cornerstone of the country’s long-term energy strategy.

Challenges Ahead: Sustainability and Energy Transition

Despite the current emphasis on gas expansion, Turkey acknowledges the need to align with global climate targets. The government has launched pilot projects to integrate green hydrogen into the distribution network and envisions a gradual shift towards a more sustainable energy mix.

In this light, Black Sea gas production is seen as a strategic bridge—providing energy security in the short-to-medium term while paving the way for a more sustainable future in the long run.