Turkey starts construction of an underwater pipeline to tap a Black Sea natural gas field

Turkey has launched the construction of an underwater pipeline to tap a Black Sea natural gas field for its “energy independence.”

 

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed on Monday that the Sakarya gas field could produce 10 million cubic metres (353 million cubic feet) by the first quarter of 2023.

 

The field, 170 kilometres out to sea, was discovered back in August 2020.

 

Erdogan said that it was “the largest natural gas field in Turkey’s history”, citing estimated reserves of 320 billion cubic metres.

 

“We will continue our efforts until we can fully ensure our energy security,” he added.

 

Turkey is still highly dependent on imports to meet its energy needs.