Turkey, identified as Europe's fourth-largest gas buyer and one of the world's fastest-growing LNG markets, is undertaking a major expansion of its liquefied natural gas infrastructure to meet rising demand and support its ambition to become a regional energy hub. This strategy includes investments in floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) and expanding its transmission network.

Infrastructure and Capacity Expansion

The country has significantly increased its LNG regasification capacity, growing fivefold from 34 million cubic meters per day in 2016 to approximately 161 million cubic meters per day in 2025. Turkey's infrastructure currently comprises five LNG receiving terminals, including the Vasant 1, Ertugrul Gazi, and Turquoise P FSRUs, as well as two land-based import terminals: EgeGaz Aliaga LNG and Marmara Ereglisi. Together, these facilities supply over 160 billion cubic meters of gas, with potential for further extension.

New Supply Contracts and Diversification

As part of its long-term strategy to diversify energy sources away from pipeline gas, Turkey's state energy company Botas has secured new LNG supply agreements. At the World LNG Summit in Istanbul, Botas signed two deals:

• A contract to purchase 6 billion cubic meters of LNG from Germany's SEFE.
• A 10-year agreement with Italy's Eni to buy 5 billion cubic meters of LNG.

Both contracts stipulate delivery over ten consecutive winter seasons starting in 2028. In total, Turkey has signed contracts for 106 billion cubic meters of LNG for 2025.

Growing Demand and Energy Goals

Turkey's power demand has tripled over the last two decades and is expected to triple again in the next three, though the exact pace is difficult to predict. LNG imports now meet almost half of the country's daily natural gas needs. While committed to becoming a carbon-neutral economy by mid-century and hosting COP31 in 2026, Turkey acknowledges that oil and gas remain key components of its energy mix.

Regional Hub Ambitions and Future Outlook

Beyond meeting domestic demand, Turkey is committed to becoming a regional gas center. Botas now trades gas with more than 34 countries, and its work extends beyond Turkey's borders. The company is focused on developing existing infrastructure, expanding its LNG portfolio, and exploring new technologies and hydrogen for the future, alongside growing domestic gas production, pipeline imports, and storage capacity.