In a recent statement, Takahiko Katsumata, the Japanese ambassador to Ankara, expressed the significant potential for energy cooperation between Türkiye and Japan. Katsumata particularly highlighted the optimism surrounding next-generation energy sources such as hydrogen and renewable energy.
This announcement followed talks earlier this month between Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar of Türkiye and Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura. The discussions, held in Istanbul, revolved around exploring potential energy collaborations between the two nations, encompassing a wide array of areas, from critical minerals and renewable energy to energy efficiency, natural gas, and emerging fuels and technologies.
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As a concrete step toward fostering this collaboration, the ministers signed a joint statement to initiate the “Türkiye-Japan Energy Forum.”
Ambassador Katsumata expressed his belief in the diverse opportunities for cooperation between Türkiye and Japan, particularly in the realm of new-generation energy sources like hydrogen and renewable energy. These sources are gaining prominence globally as nations seek to reduce emissions, especially in industries that are challenging to decarbonize, such as steel production and chemical manufacturing.
Katsumata underlined the commonalities shared by the two nations in the energy sector, noting that both Japan and Türkiye heavily depend on external sources to meet their energy needs. Additionally, he emphasized Türkiye's strategic geographical location, serving as a vital transit point between energy-rich Middle Eastern nations, Russia, and European countries. Türkiye itself boasts abundant energy resources, including oil and natural gas.
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Japan has been actively pursuing carbon neutrality by 2050 through a focus on nuclear and renewable energy, coupled with significant technology development efforts. Ambassador Katsumata noted that numerous private-sector initiatives in Japan align with these goals.
In a significant move, Japan unveiled plans in June to invest 15 trillion yen ($107.5 billion) over the next 15 years to establish a hydrogen supply infrastructure, accelerating its transition to a low-carbon economy.
Katsumata suggested that the “Türkiye-Japan Energy Forum” could serve as a valuable platform for exploring the possibilities of energy cooperation between the two countries.
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On Türkiye's part, the nation is committed to tripling its renewable energy capacity by 2053 as it strives to achieve a carbon-neutral economy. Nuclear energy is a primary consideration as Türkiye seeks to reduce the role of coal in electricity generation.
Currently, Russia is in the process of constructing Türkiye's first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, on the Mediterranean coast. This development has the potential to reduce Türkiye's reliance on foreign gas imports. Türkiye's long-term vision includes increasing its nuclear electricity production capacity to 20 gigawatts, nearly four times the capacity that the Akkuyu plant is expected to generate when fully operational.
Minister Bayraktar indicated Türkiye's intention to finalize discussions with China regarding the construction of the country's third nuclear power plant in the coming months. Additionally, Türkiye has engaged in talks about building a second power plant in the Black Sea city of Sinop, with Japan being considered as one of the potential partners.
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While major projects like nuclear power plants are on the agenda, both Türkiye and Japan are also expected to collaborate on smaller-scale renewable energy initiatives. Ambassador Katsumata also highlighted the prospects of advancing bilateral relations in the mining sector, with discussions between ministers from both countries exploring opportunities for cooperation in critical minerals. Specific details of such cooperation will be worked out by officials from Türkiye and Japan in the coming periods.
