Turkey has announced plans to construct a 97-kilometre gas pipeline from its southern coast to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), with the goal of completing the project by 2028. The pipeline, starting from Alanya, aims to supply gas to the Turkish-controlled northern part of Cyprus and, through reverse-flow capability, could import gas from future Mediterranean discoveries for markets in Turkey and Europe. This initiative is part of a broader strategic push by Ankara to enhance Turkey's role as a key energy transit hub.

Pipeline Details and Technical Considerations

The pipeline's offshore section would traverse water depths exceeding 1,000 metres, though the shortest distance between Alanya and TRNC over water is approximately 150 kilometres, suggesting an onshore segment to an unnamed coastal location. Turkey's Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, stated that engineering studies are to be completed this year, with implementation targeted within 2028. The project also includes a subsea electricity transmission line, as TRNC currently relies on imported oil for power generation, which Ankara plans to convert to gas supplemented by imported electricity.

Strategic and Geopolitical Context

Cyprus has been partitioned since Turkey's 1974 invasion, with the TRNC recognized only by Ankara. The pipeline is described as a "larger, more strategic project" that could accelerate development of future gas discoveries in the Mediterranean. State-owned Turkish Petroleum has drilled unsuccessful exploration wells off Turkey's south coast and controversially in Cyprus's exclusive economic zone, disregarding agreed maritime boundaries. The minister emphasized a strategic perspective to transport gas from future discoveries to Turkey via reverse flow through TRNC, and potentially to Europe.

Broader Energy Initiatives

Turkey's energy utility Botas has signed a deal with Italy's Edison to explore building another gas pipeline across the Adriatic Sea, linking Turkey, Greece, and Italy, which could later handle hydrogen. This project is considered an important alternative for Europe during the current energy crisis. Currently, gas is transported from the Caspian Sea to Italy via the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline. These efforts are part of Turkey's aggressive push to become a critical overland energy transport node between Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, reducing reliance on the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, Turkey plans to extend the Iraq-Turkey Oil Pipeline south to Basra and deliver gas from Turkmenistan to Europe via the Trans-Caspian Natural Gas Pipeline.