Türkiye eyes $80 billion energy corridor linking Gulf to Europe
Türkiye is planning to transform the Development Road project into a strategic energy corridor that could generate $80 billion in annual economic value. The project aims to transport oil, natural gas, and electricity from Iraq and the Gulf region to Europe. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar discussed the initiative with Iraqi Oil Minister Basim Mohammed Khudair during a meeting in Ankara on Oct. 2, 2026.
The Development Road project involves connecting the Persian Gulf to Türkiye and Europe through road and rail links via Iraq. Bayraktar highlighted the potential for oil and natural gas transportation, noting that the route could carry up to 2.5 million barrels of oil per day. He also mentioned the possibility of transporting Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) through this corridor, providing an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz.
Bayraktar emphasized the importance of developing the energy infrastructure alongside the transportation network to maximize the project's economic value. He also discussed plans to extend the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline to Basra and increase its capacity, which would offer a strong alternative for oil transportation from the Gulf region. Türkiye aims to turn Ceyhan into a global energy hub and increase its role in Iraqi oil fields.
Bayraktar stated that Türkiye will continue to work closely with the new Iraqi government to pursue concrete projects. The goal is to supply 1 million barrels of crude oil, increase trade, and establish Ceyhan as a key player in the global energy market.