Türkiye and Azerbaijan have begun supplying natural gas and electricity to Syria as part of coordinated efforts to support the country’s reconstruction following years of conflict, according to Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.

The minister disclosed this while speaking at the International Energy Forum “Ayder” held in Rize, northeastern Türkiye. He said Ankara considers energy cooperation a means of promoting stability, peace and shared economic growth, rather than a source of rivalry. Syria, he noted, is entering a phase of rebuilding and normalisation after prolonged instability.

Bayraktar explained that the energy deliveries form part of broader support initiatives aimed at reviving Syria’s economy. In addition to gas supplies, Türkiye and Azerbaijan are providing electricity and working on several development projects across different sectors, guided by principles of partnership and mutual benefit.

Addressing Türkiye’s wider energy outlook, the minister said domestic electricity and natural gas demand has tripled over the past two decades and is projected to rise significantly again in the coming years. He stressed that this trend has pushed Türkiye to diversify energy sources, expand domestic production and reduce reliance on imports, which have cost the country as much as $60–70 billion annually in some years.

Bayraktar also highlighted progress in nuclear energy, confirming that electricity generation at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin is expected to begin this year. Once completed, the facility is projected to meet about a tenth of Türkiye’s power needs. Plans are also underway for additional nuclear plants in Sinop and Thrace, as well as modular nuclear projects, which together could add up to 20,000 megawatts of capacity by 2050.

He concluded by reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening energy cooperation with neighbouring countries and contributing to regional and European energy security.