Turkey's Energy Strategy and Challenges for Cyprus

Turkey is pursuing a multifaceted energy strategy aimed at enhancing its energy independence and becoming a regional energy hub. This includes investments in renewable energy, nuclear power, and natural gas pipelines.

Turkish policy involves harassment of research activities in the Eastern Mediterranean, turning energy into a tool for diplomatic pressure.

The goal is to reduce natural gas imports to 18.9% by 2025 and significantly increase installed capacity from photovoltaics and wind power. Turkey's first climate legislation aims for climate neutrality by 2053.

Turkey has secured natural gas sources through pipelines such as TurkStream and TANAP. The Sakarya field is expected to cover 30% of Turkish households' natural gas consumption by 2026.

Turkey uses energy for geopolitical influence through the "Blue Homeland" doctrine, challenging the rights of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece.

Cyprus faces challenges from Turkish challenges in its EEZ. Despite the challenges, Cyprus continues its energy program, seeking partnerships and the creation of electricity interconnections.

Cyprus is the only EU member state in energy isolation, but the GSI electricity interconnection is expected to improve the electricity market.

Cyprus acquires a transit role through the GSI and IMEC electricity interconnections, strengthening the region's energy security.

Coordinated EU intervention towards Turkey is needed to remove obstacles to the exploitation of Cyprus' deposits and for its interconnections with the EU network.