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Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar remarked on the significance of the Akkuyu Nuclear Plant project for Türkiye, stating: “Acknowledging that nuclear energy is indispensable for Türkiye, we are now realizing this 70-year dream.”
Minister Bayraktar highlighted that with over 30,000 people working on the world’s largest nuclear energy construction site in Mersin, Türkiye is positioning itself among the top-tier countries globally.
On Saturday, Bayraktar addressed attendees at the Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) 8th Ordinary Provincial Congress in Nevsehir.
Emphasizing Türkiye’s progress in nuclear energy, Bayraktar mentioned that the country is advancing rapidly toward becoming a nation that efficiently uses energy and develops additional nuclear facilities in Sinop and Thrace alongside Akkuyu.
Bayraktar pointed out the connection between Türkiye’s economic situation and its energy needs, noting that the country spent $96.5 billion on energy imports in 2022 and around $70 billion in 2023. Driven by population growth and urbanization, rising demand for natural gas, oil, coal, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) perpetuates the cycle of currency outflows and inflation, Bayraktar added.
Stressing the importance of addressing this issue through increased domestic energy production, Bayraktar pointed out the importance of oil production in Sirnak's Gabar, highlighting that output has exceeded 70,000 barrels per day within two years, contributing $2 billion annually to the national economy.
Noting that development in Gabar not only reduces the reliance on imports but also creates jobs for around 3,000 local youths, Bayraktar stated that the transformation of the region, once affected by terrorism, into an energy hub, has given residents new hope and opportunities.
Expressing optimism about Türkiye’s future in energy independence, Bayraktar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing oil production in Gabar and striving for even higher figures, aiming to solidify the country’s position as a strong, self-sufficient energy producer.
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