Türkiye is seeking to strengthen its position in the regional energy architecture by establishing a new regional energy corridor connecting to Saudi Arabia through Jordan and Syria. This proposed network is designed to broaden power trade, enhance regional grid flexibility, and consolidate Ankara’s role as a key energy bridge connecting the Gulf, the Middle East, and Europe.
According to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, official talks with Saudi Arabia remain ongoing regarding the large-scale electricity transmission network. Bayraktar noted that the initiative could later be extended to include Lebanon, taking into account the nation’s substantial electricity requirements. The initiative reflects Türkiye’s overarching strategy to reinforce regional power connections and increase trade with neighboring markets.
Expanding Cross Border Electricity and Gas Networks with Syria
A major foundational element for the proposed regional energy corridor is Türkiye’s advancing cooperation with Syria. Energy collaboration between both nations has picked up momentum over the past two years, with a specific focus on rebuilding damaged electricity and natural gas infrastructure. Minister Bayraktar highlighted joint projects in oil, natural gas, electricity, and mining, emphasizing energy cooperation as a mechanism for regional development and stability.
Türkiye, which has supplied power to areas in northern Syria since 2017, intends to expand its cross border electricity exports through updated links. Technical work is currently underway to reactivate the 500-megawatt Birecik-Aleppo line. Simultaneously, plans are moving forward to transport Azerbaijani natural gas through Kilis to feed a power generation plant in Aleppo.
Clean Power, Grid Connections, and Global Energy Transit Potential
While Türkiye relies heavily on foreign fossil fuels, its geography allows it to act as a primary transit country connecting producer regions with consumer markets, according to Ember Türkiye and Caucasus Regional Lead Ufuk Alparslan. Alparslan explained that domestic resources currently generate more than half of Türkiye’s electricity, with nearly all new capacity coming from clean sources.
He emphasized that Türkiye’s significant renewable energy potential underpins its objective of serving as a regional clean energy hub. Enhanced electricity transmission interconnections across broad east-west geographies can maximize solar power usage across time zones while aiding access to international financing as Türkiye prepares to host COP31.
