Turkey announces discovery of oil reserves valued at $4 billion, according to the Minister
In a significant development for Turkey's energy sector, the country has discovered substantial shale oil and gas reserves in the Diyarbakır region. Estimates suggest that the potential reserves could be as high as 4 to 6 billion barrels of shale oil and shale gas within a 600 km² area [1][3][4].
Furthermore, a specific site north of Bismil in Diyarbakır is believed to hold around 350 million barrels of oil reserves, a potential find comparable to the Gabar site [1]. These reserves are part of Turkey's broader discovery this year of 57 million barrels of oil reserves across several regions, including Diyarbakır, along with substantial natural gas finds in the Black Sea [1].
The focus on unconventional production in Diyarbakır aims to unlock the hydrocarbons trapped in shale formations through advanced drilling technologies. Collaboration with U.S. firms experienced in shale technology is planned for this purpose, with 24 vertical and horizontal wells planned [3][4].
The Osmangazi platform, which is undergoing activation at Filyos Port, is expected to double Turkey's production capacity to 20 million cubic meters per day once operational [2]. Meanwhile, the discovery of 75 billion cubic meters of natural gas at the Göktepe-3 well in the Black Sea is enough to meet Turkey's gas needs for about one and a half years [1].
Turkey has also expanded its fleet with two new drilling ships, one of which will be dispatched in the Black Sea, bringing the total number of Turkey's vessels there to five [1]. Onshore exploration is ongoing with new discoveries expected by the end of the year.
In addition to the oil and gas discoveries, Turkey is making strides in its energy export sector. The natural gas pipeline extending from Kilis to Aleppo was completed in May, and Turkey will start exporting natural gas from Azerbaijan to Aleppo via Kilis on August 2 [1]. Efforts are also underway to reactivate the Birecik-Aleppo line, which has a capacity of approximately 500 megawatts. If reactivated, nearly 900 megawatts of electricity will be delivered to Syria, meeting the needs of approximately 1.6 million households [1].
Turkey, officially known as Türkiye, has also been exporting electricity to northern Syria and plans to increase this export to 280 megawatts through existing lines [1]. With the Osmangazi platform, 9 million households will be supplied [2].
In conclusion, Turkey's energy sector is experiencing a transformative period with significant shale oil and gas discoveries and active exploration efforts in Diyarbakır and other regions. The country is also making progress in its energy export sector, with the completion of the Kilis-Aleppo natural gas pipeline and plans to reactivate the Birecik-Aleppo line. These developments are set to shape Turkey's energy landscape for years to come.
[1] Anadolu Agency [2] Hurriyet Daily News [3] Turkish Mineral Research and Exploration Institute (TÜDEMSAŞ) [4] U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
The substantial shale oil and gas reserves discovered in Diyarbakır could significantly impact Turkey's oil-and-gas industry, potentially attracting finance for advanced drilling technologies from both domestic and international sources. Furthermore, the focus on unconventional energy production in this region is expected to bolster Turkey's overall energy sector and contribute to the nation's energy export ambitions.
