The 50th anniversary ceremony of BOTAŞ, Türkiye's leading energy company BOTAŞ was held at Headquarters with the participation of Alparslan BAYRAKTAR, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The Energy of Türkiye, BOTAŞ, which was founded on August 15, 1974, celebrated its 50th anniversary. The company carries out natural gas and oil pipeline activities, operation of natural gas storage facilities, international projects, LNG and FSRU investments and port services with the vision of carrying energy to our country and our country to the future.

The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan BAYRAKTAR, the Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and BOTAŞ Board Member Nevzat ŞATIROĞLU, the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA) Chairman Mustafa YILMAZ, Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) Chairman and General Manager Ahmet TÜRKOĞLU, BOTAŞ Executives and BOTAŞ employees attended the 50th anniversary ceremony held at BOTAŞ Headquarters.

Before the ceremony, the Minister BAYRAKTAR and the accompanying delegation visited the exhibition of photographs shedding light on the milestones in BOTAŞ's 50-year energy adventure.

Abdulvahit FİDAN, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Managing Director of BOTAŞ, made the opening speech of the ceremony, which started with the presentation of an introductory video summarizing important activities, openings and projects since its establishment. FİDAN made the following remarks in his speech:

 “We have come together today on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of BOTAŞ. On this meaningful day, I would like to thank our Minister Alparslan BAYRAKTAR in your presence for accepting our invitation and sharing our joy and pride.

As BOTAŞ, our journey that started in 1974 with the purpose of oil transportation via pipelines has spread to the fields of crude oil and natural gas transmission, LNG and FSRU operations, international projects, port services, storage activities and natural gas trade; and continues on its path as a leader in the sector, an organization honored with international awards. With our expertise in all our fields of activity and our pioneering role arising from our advanced infrastructure and our understanding of serving our country, we provide natural gas to 81 provinces and 862 settlements, as well as lead the shaping, change and transformation of the energy sector. Born in 1974, our BOTAŞ has become a brand both in our country and in the international arena.”

Following the speech of Managing Director Abdulvahit FİDAN, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan BAYRAKTAR noted that successful projects that strengthen Türkiye's position as an energy hub have been implemented through BOTAŞ.

Storage Target of 12 Billion Cubic Meters

Minister Bayraktar stated that they have implemented two underground storage projects in Silivri and Tuz Gölü to ensure supply security in energy and said, “As of today, Silivri has a natural gas storage capacity of 4.6 billion cubic meters and Tuz Gölü has a natural gas storage capacity of 1.2 billion cubic meters, totaling 5.8 billion cubic meters. We aim to reach a storage capacity of 12 billion cubic meters in our country in the next 5 years. In this way, we will be storing 20 percent of the natural gas our country uses annually.”

5-Fold Increase in 8 Years

Bayraktar, who stated that one of the most important elements of Turkey’s strong infrastructure in natural gas is FSRUs, said, “As of today, we have increased our LNG intake capacity fivefold in 8 years. We have increased our daily LNG intake capacity, which was 30 million cubic meters in 2016, to approximately 160 million cubic meters today. Thanks to this, Türkiye has the infrastructure to easily supply half of the gas it needs with LNG.”

Trade with 34 Countries

Bayraktar explained that Türkiye currently trades natural gas with 34 different countries and said, “In order to become a natural gas hub, we need a strong infrastructure and a strong and large market.”

Natural Gas Networks

Noting that they have brought natural gas to 862 settlements and 212 Organized Industrial Zones in 81 provinces, Bayraktar said, “Approximately 72 million citizens have access to natural gas. We have 20 thousand kilometers of transmission and 200 thousand kilometers of distribution lines. We have covered almost the whole country with natural gas networks.”

Flag Carrier

Bayraktar emphasized that Türkiye has become a leading country that produces its own natural gas, diversified its supply sources, and contributes to the supply security of its region and Europe with its strong infrastructure and supply portfolio and export capability, and said, “The brand and flag carrier of our country in this sense is BOTAŞ.”

Plaque for the Most Senior Employee

During the ceremony, Minister Bayraktar presented a plaque to Ayhan Öndül, who worked at Regional Directorate of Petroleum Operations for 42 years since he joined the company at the age of 18, for being the most senior employee.

After signing the 50th anniversary memorial book, Minister Bayraktar took a souvenir photo with BOTAŞ personnel.

Tarih: 16/8/2024