Aspiring to turn Türkiye into an energy hub, BOTAŞ is reaping the rewards of its investments in LNG, FSRU infrastructure and transmission lines. Under the agreement signed on January 3, 2023, on the the delivery of natural gas to Bulgaria via Marmara Ereğlisi LNG Terminal, the first gas shipment started on April 12, 2023.
Bulgarian Energy Minister Rosen Hristov, BOTAŞ General Manager Burhan Özcan and Bulgargaz General Manager Denitsa Zlateva attended the launch ceremony held at BOTAŞ Marmara Ereğlisi LNG Terminal.
Historic Day for Türkiye and Bulgaria
Bulgarian Energy Minister Hristov said, “This cooperation is of great importance for Bulgaria's energy security. It is important not only for Bulgaria, but for the whole of South-Eastern and Central Europe. We consider Türkiye as a reliable partner and we will definitely expand our cooperation.”
Burhan Özcan, General Manager of BOTAŞ, said in his speech that it was a very important day for both Türkiye and Bulgaria, added that the gas transmission from the terminal will be the initial step of a broader attempt that will contribute to the energy supply security of not just for Türkiye, but also for Bulgaria and Europe. He also stated that the deliveries will continue within a schedule.
1,5 Bcm Gas per Year Will be Delivered
“Today's delivery will be about 55 million cubic meters (mcm), but we will have a total annual delivery of 1.5 billion cubic meters (bcm). This capacity is in a position to grow with increases in demand. Technically, we have this potential.” Özcan said.
On the Way to Become an Energy Hub with Advanced Energy Infrastructure
Reaching the daily LNG regasification capacity of 161 mcm, which corresponds to a natural gas regasification of over 50 bcm per year, Özcan also emphasized that Türkiye’s expanded gas infrastructure will benefit neighboring Bulgaria and other European countries.
In addition to its long-term plans and investments, Türkiye has also carried out energy diplomacy with great precision and success, creating a strong energy infrastructure with natural gas procured from different parts of the world, both in LNG form and through pipelines within the framework of short and long-term agreements. Taking advantage of its geographical location, Türkiye is approaching its target of becoming an energy hub, especially natural gas hub, and supplies gas from several different points of the world with its 5 LNG terminals and 7 natural gas pipelines.
Türkiye’s First LNG Facility: Marmara Ereğlisi LNG Terminal
Marmara Ereğlisi LNG Terminal has a total storage capacity of 255 thousand cubic meters of LNG, and is able to regasify and transfer 37 million cubic meters of gas per day into the transmission system. Hence, a significant part of Türkiye’s natural gas needs are met by the gas coming through LNG and FSRU terminals. Within the scope of the recently signed agreement between BOTAŞ and Bulgargaz, 1.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be delivered annually to Bulgaria for 13 years. With new investments and agreements, Türkiye is taking firm steps towards its goal of becoming an energy hub.
Tarih: 13/4/2023
