Energy security now a national security issue: Erdogan

Disruptions to global energy routes have transformed energy security from an economic concern into a matter of national security, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Wednesday.

Renewable energy drive

Speaking at an event in Ankara focused on renewable energy investment, Erdoğan attributed persistent supply disruptions to the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Russia-Ukraine war and the tensions experienced in the Strait of Hormuz have once again shown that energy supply security is a matter of national security,” the Turkish leader said.

He added that recent geopolitical developments had highlighted both the vulnerability of international energy markets and the strategic importance of secure supply chains.

Erdoğan also said Türkiye was close to achieving its longstanding goal of becoming a regional energy centre through investments in renewable energy, natural gas infrastructure and international energy corridors.

“We are steadily advancing toward our objective of making Türkiye an energy hub,” Erdoğan said, pointing to recent investments in solar and wind power along with intensified efforts to expand energy trade with neighbouring countries.

Strategic position

Türkiye, which imports most of its energy needs, has long sought to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers while leveraging its geographic position between energy-producing regions and European markets.

The issue has gained greater urgency since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine disrupted energy flows across Europe, prompting affected countries to seek alternative sources and supply routes.

More recently, tensions involving the Strait of Hormuz - one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints - have further heightened concerns over energy security.

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Ankara has responded by promoting several major energy transit projects, including the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline, which carries Azerbaijani gas to Europe.

Türkiye has also increased investment in renewable energy as it seeks to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels through greater use of solar and wind power for electricity generation.

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Türkiye energy Renewable energy Russia Ukraine