Turkey has discovered a massive 6.1 billion barrel shale oil reserve that could transform the nation’s energy independence and reduce its reliance on foreign oil imports.
At a Glance
- U.S. oil producer Continental Resources estimates a 6.1 billion barrel shale oil reserve in Turkey’s southeastern Diyarbakır basin
- Turkey currently imports 365 million barrels of crude oil annually, making this discovery potentially transformative for national energy security
- Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and Continental Resources formed a strategic partnership to develop the shale fields
- The Diyarbakır Basin could also hold 12-20 trillion cubic feet of natural gas
- This discovery is part of Turkey’s broader strategy to reduce its heavy dependence on energy imports
Major Shale Oil Discovery Promises Energy Security
Turkey has made a significant stride toward energy independence with the discovery of an estimated 6.1 billion barrels of shale oil in the southeastern Diyarbakır basin. This finding, announced by U.S. oil producer Continental Resources, represents a potential game-changer for a nation that currently imports 365 million barrels of crude oil annually. The discovery could substantially reduce Turkey’s dependence on foreign energy sources and strengthen its position in regional energy markets. The announcement comes at a critical time as Turkey seeks to bolster its energy security amid global market volatility.
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar highlighted the significance of this discovery, stating: “Türkiye’s current annual (crude) oil imports amount to 365 million barrels. So a 6.1 billion barrel reserve is a great figure.”
The potential reserves extend beyond oil, with estimates suggesting the Diyarbakır Basin could also contain between 12-20 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Additionally, the northwestern Thrace Basin might hold 20-45 trillion cubic feet of gas, further enhancing Turkey’s domestic energy resources. These discoveries align with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s vision to reduce the country’s substantial energy import bill, which has been a persistent drain on the national economy.
Strategic Partnership to Develop Resources
To effectively exploit these newly discovered resources, the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) has formed a joint venture with Continental Resources. The agreement, signed in March, marks what Minister Bayraktar described as “a new era in local crude oil exploration.” This partnership brings together Continental’s expertise in shale extraction technology with TPAO’s regional knowledge and infrastructure. The collaboration represents a strategic move to accelerate domestic production and develop the technical capabilities needed for long-term resource management.
“Shale oil and gas could be a game changer,” Bayraktar noted, emphasizing the transformative potential of these resources for Turkey’s energy landscape.
The joint venture will focus initially on assessment and exploration activities to determine the most efficient extraction methods for the Diyarbakır basin reserves. Continental Resources brings valuable experience from U.S. shale operations, particularly in hydraulic fracturing techniques that will likely be required to access Turkey’s shale deposits. The success of this partnership could establish a model for future international collaborations in Turkey’s energy sector.
Broader Energy Independence Strategy
This shale oil discovery is part of Turkey’s comprehensive strategy to reduce its vulnerability to international energy market fluctuations. Turkey has historically been heavily dependent on imports, with limited domestic oil and gas production. However, recent years have seen increased focus on developing local resources across multiple energy sectors. Oil production in the Gabar region has already reached 81,000 barrels, meeting approximately 8% of Turkey’s daily demand. This production, combined with the potential from the Diyarbakır basin, could significantly reduce import dependency.
“I hope that this agreement, which opens a new era in oil exploration in Türkiye, will be beneficial for all parties,” said Alparslan Bayraktar, highlighting the government’s optimism about the partnership with Continental Resources.
Beyond oil and gas, Turkey is diversifying its energy portfolio through nuclear power development. The country is in discussions with Canada’s Candu Energy and companies from Russia, South Korea, and China regarding its second and third nuclear power plants. Russia’s state nuclear energy company Rosatom is already constructing Turkey’s first nuclear power station at Akkuyu. Additionally, recent natural gas discoveries in the Black Sea, including a new finding of 75 billion cubic meters announced by President Erdoğan, further complement the country’s push toward greater energy self-sufficiency.
