Turkey unveils Milli Enerji 2040 roadmap to achieve energy independence

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has announced the “Milli Enerji 2040” vision, a strategic roadmap aimed at achieving energy independence and reducing foreign dependency. A primary goal is to eliminate the current account deficit caused by energy imports by 2030, which currently stands at approximately 60 to 65 billion dollars annually.

The plan involves a massive 500 billion dollar investment program through 2040, expected to create 108,000 direct jobs and 250,000 indirect jobs. Key pillars of the strategy include energy efficiency, renewable energy, nuclear power, and increased domestic oil and gas production. The government aims to increase renewable capacity to 175,000 megawatts by 2040, with significant focus on wind and solar power.

Regarding nuclear energy, Bayraktar noted that the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is nearing completion, with the first electricity production expected within weeks or months. Additionally, the minister discussed expanding the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline capacity from 1.5 million to 2.5 million barrels per day. While the plan emphasizes electrification, the Climate Network (Iklim Agi) has criticized the roadmap for lacking a specific timeline for phasing out coal and for continuing to encourage fossil fuel investments.