T3 Podcast | Melih Han Bilgin: Turkey’s Daily Energy Demand of 300 Million Dollars

This article compiles insights from the interview with Melih Han Bilgin, Chairman of the Board and General Manager of Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı (TPAO), in the fifth episode of the third season of the T3 Podcast. The conversation focuses on Türkiye’s energy independence goals, recent discoveries, and the strategies and technological innovations implemented during this process.

Melih Han Bilgin and the Vision for Energy Independence

Melih Han Bilgin, who studied aerospace engineering at Istanbul Technical University and spent many years working in the defense and aviation sectors, has led TPAO since 2017. Bilgin emphasizes that Türkiye is a continuously growing nation and that energy is its most fundamental input. He notes that an energy policy dependent on imports has negatively impacted economic development and asserts that energy independence is both an economic and strategic necessity for Türkiye. He highlights that the approximately 10 billion dollars spent on energy imports in 2022 is one of the largest obstacles to the country’s growth.

Major Discoveries in the Black Sea and Gabar

Turkey’s offshore exploration efforts, initiated in 2017 using its own capabilities, culminated in a major natural gas discovery at the Tuna-1 well in the Black Sea. Bilgin describes the 2.5-year period from discovery to bringing the gas ashore as “a record that will go down in industrial history.” He attributes this success to “steel-like political will,” dedication, and an innovative mindset. With the completion of the first phase of the Sakarya Gas Field project, Türkiye will meet 15 percent of its basic gas demand. With additional projects, the target is to raise this share to 60 percent by the end of 2028.

In addition to the Black Sea discovery, a significant oil find was made in the Gabar region in Şırnak. Currently Türkiye’s largest producing field, Gabar generates approximately 20,000 barrels of oil per day. TPAO’s total oil production target for the end of the year is 90,000 barrels per day.

Technological Innovations and the Future

TPAO employs the most advanced technologies in its energy exploration and production processes. The entire system of the Black Sea gas facility, from the deepest point of the reservoir to the onshore pipelines, is managed by a fully national artificial intelligence (AI) platform named “Zeki”. This AI platform has attracted significant international attention by enhancing efficiency.

Message to the Youth and the National Technology Initiative

Melih Han Bilgin highlights Teknofest as a platform that reinforces among young people the belief that “we can do better.” Addressing the youth, he emphasizes that the future belongs to them and that freedom lies in breaking mental limitations. He states that the only formula for Türkiye’s future is “working harder” and affirms that the contributions of young people to this process are vital.

In conclusion, the steps Türkiye has taken in its energy sector are not only advancing economic independence but also driving technological progress and establishing a voice on the international stage. In this process, political stability and innovative thinking models have emerged as the fundamental drivers of these successes.