The rapid deterioration in Russia-Turkey relations since Ankara’s 24 November downing of a Russian fighter jet on the Syrian border highlights the importance of energy security for Ankara. Russian volumes of 27.33 bcm accounted for more than half of Turkey’s gas imports in 2014 and the absence of credible alternative sources means this reliance is set to continue until at least 2018.

Natural gas represents the largest source of power generation in Turkey. Asli Güven, Head of Energy at Turkey’s Foreign Ministry placed it at 47% of the mix when speaking at the CWC Iraq-Kurdistan Oil and Gas conference in London on 2 December. (CONTINUED - 885 WORDS)