Major Utilization of Natural Gas in Turkey

Abstract

The aim of this paper is the major utilization of natural gas in Turkey. Turkey is rapidly growing in terms of both its economy and population due to its demand for energy. In the new world energy order, gas usage with no doubt will continue to grow well into the 21st century. Natural gas has been available for Turkish consumption for 17 years. Its use expanded sharply after the signing of the first sales and purchase agreement with the former Soviet Union in 1986. Turkish natural gas usage is projected to increase remarkably in coming years, with the prime consumers, expected to be industry and power plants. Energy demand of Turkey is growing by 8% annually, one of the highest rates in the world. In addition, natural gas consumption is the fastest growing primary energy source in Turkey. Gas sales started at 0.5 bcm (billion cubic meters), in 1987 and reached approximately 22 bcm in 2003. Turkey is an important candidate to be the “energy corridor” in the transmission of the abundant oil and natural gas resources of the Middle East and Middle Asia countries to the Western market.