Turkey's potential as an energy hub: to what extent can it fulfill its potential as a provider of energy security for Europe?

Official URL: http://risc01.sabanciuniv.edu/record=b1630628 (Table of Contents)

With increasing geostrategic uncertainties for Eurasia, the EU’s energy security has become an increasingly pressing concern, and the question has arisen whether countries positioned as energy “bridges” or “corridors,” i.e. over which the greater volume of gas is transported, such as Turkey, can advance to a role of regional energy trading hubs to offset threats and develop further advantage by making available spare capacity for trade and emergencies. This thesis will examine Turkey’s potential for advancing its status to that of an energy trading hub by examining major oil and gas pipelines, storage capacities, legal and regulatory frameworks, the long-term and spot pricing mechanism and the prospects for LNG in meeting future demand. The projected likelihood of Turkey being able to take on spare capacity is examined with reference to availability from regional energy exporters. Turkey’s shortcomings in meeting the prerequisites for becoming a hub are discussed and recommendations made for how this can be achieved.