Geneva, Switzerland, May 20, 2025 – Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) has confirmed the discovery of a major offshore natural gas field in the Black Sea. The newly identified reserve is estimated to hold at least 75 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas—equivalent to approximately 2.6 trillion cubic feet (Tcf). This significant find was made at the Goktepe-3 well, further underlining Turkey’s aggressive push to expand its domestic energy portfolio.
During drilling operations conducted with TPAO’s state-of-the-art technology and the advanced drilling vessel Abdulhamid Han, explorers reached a depth of 3,500 metres before confirming the presence of the new gas field. Its proximity to the existing flagship Sakarya field—which is reported to contain around 400 bcm of gas—marks another milestone in Ankara’s commitment to overcoming its longstanding energy import challenges.
Despite these promising domestic discoveries, Turkey currently imports approximately 90% of its energy requirements. Authorities have emphasized that every new reserve brings the country one step closer to reducing its reliance on foreign sources. According to government estimates, the newly discovered gas may supply the nation’s residential needs for roughly three and a half years, potentially easing the burden of energy imports that account for a significant portion of Turkey’s expenditure.
The economic implications of the find are equally compelling. With an estimated valuation of around US$30 billion, the new reserve is set to become a cornerstone of Turkey’s broader energy strategy. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pointed to these discoveries as evidence of the country’s resolve to chart its own energy future and decrease its annual import bill. By bolstering domestic production, Turkey hopes to not only secure energy for home consumption but also to gain a stronger position in the regional energy market.
This discovery comes amid intensified exploration efforts in the Black Sea and neighboring regions. It represents both a technological achievement and a strategic move on part of the Turkish government to accelerate its journey toward energy independence. As exploration continues, industry experts suggest that additional finds could further transform Turkey’s energy landscape and contribute to its long-term economic stability.
With the new gas field adding to the substantial reserves already discovered in the Sakarya field, Turkey is clearly doubling down on its domestic exploration program. This initiative has significant implications for the country’s energy security, offering the potential to reshape the national energy mix and reduce dependency on costly imports.
Turkish-President-Tayyip-Tayyib-Erdogan-Reuters-pic-Via-FMT
