The answer to this question will directly affect Turkey’s place in the economy and politics of the region. With the realization of this fact and taking into account the link between political developments in Turkey especially in recent years, and energy, Foundation for political economic and social research (SETA) has prepared a report entitled “Turkey Looking for ways of becoming a country-power center”. The theme that came to the fore during the panel discussion, which was presented to the report was a bunch of “energy — economy” and the role of energy in regional politics and security in the region.
The increasing energy demand along with the economic growth of Turkey is only part of the energy policy. Yes, for the growth of Turkish economy needs energy. But to have a voice, to be a playmaker in the energy sector — a larger purpose that goes beyond economic growth. And therefore, of enormous importance are the alliances created by Turkey in the region or beyond, in the energy sector.
Turkey is rich from the point of view of energy resources of the region, and needs energy, so she stood in front of this dilemma. But far from political and economic stability to use the energy advantage of geographical space, on which the country was almost impossible. Now the situation has changed.
The political and economic environment in many ways suited to take advantage of the region where Turkey is located, not to take on its costs. Despite what is happening in countries in the vicinity of Turkey, and many initiatives within the country, Turkey has not abandoned its goal of becoming an energy center.
According to the Minister of energy and natural resources Berat Albayrak (Berat Albayrak) who participated in a panel discussion SETA, Turkey, despite the turmoil and chaos that always stand at the very threshold of the country — has provided political and economic stability. Therefore, the negative situation in which trying to submerge the Turkey by using the events in Syria and Iraq, are not able to get her to abandon her goal of becoming an energy center.
Arrow energy turned towards Turkey
Turkey, which constantly takes on the costs of its surrounding region, can go a different path. One of the first milestones on this road is the TRANS-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP). This project aimed to transfer Azeri natural gas to Europe via Turkey. Successful promotion of this project will simplify and speed up the process of implementation of other energy projects.
Besides Azerbaijan, other countries or sources on the way to becoming the energy hub Turkey — Iran, the regional government of Iraqi Kurdistan, Qatar, Turkmenistan, the Eastern Mediterranean. Major projects that will be implemented together with these countries, such as TANAP will enhance Turkey’s role as a center in the energy sector.
In addition, countries that want to break Russia’s monopoly in energy, consider Turkey as output in the energy sector. Turkey is particularly important for countries trying to strengthen its position in the market of liquefied natural gas (LNG). For them it is a strong trading partner to whom they can sell LNG, and the route of safe transit.
However Turkey does not want to take on only the mission of the transit between countries of supply and demand in the energy sector. At the same time, she will take on the role associated with determination of energy prices, access to other countries in the international energy markets and security of energy transmission. TANAP thus serves as a good example for different forms of energy cooperation and partnerships in the region.
In the region there can be a new balance after Turkey to become energy hub
Undeniable fact: to enter the number of economies with high income levels, Turkey must accelerate the pace of economic growth and to ensure energy security. But also Turkey has a mission — to provide political and economic stability in the region and through energy to establish regional balance.
Further steps Turkey is important not only for economic growth and a strong policy, but for the use of the rich energy resources of the region for its peace and prosperity.
Role in the regional energy sector will take on Turkey, bordering on 60% power pool — out to energy-rich countries in the region stuck in a vicious circle of political chaos.
Turkey’s energy centre will be a step toward creating a new political and economic balance in the region for the first time in many years.
