Energy shift: TRNC and Turkey launch new gas projects

TRNC Prime Minister Unal Ustel announced the beginning of a new phase of energy cooperation with Turkey during a joint press conference with Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz in Ankara. According to him, the key project will be the construction of a gas pipeline from Turkey to Northern Cyprus, which he described as “another project of the century.”

Ustel stated that energy was the central topic of the talks in Ankara. He also noted that the feasibility studies for the previously discussed power line between Turkey and the TRNC have been completed. He emphasized that the natural gas transportation project will primarily be used for electricity generation, which will reduce costs, improve the reliability of power supply, and create a more sustainable infrastructure.

At the same time, Ustel pointed out the existence of obstacles within international energy regulatory structures, particularly from the European organization ENTSO-E, expressing confidence that Turkey would be able to overcome these challenges.

“With the arrival of energy and natural gas, the future of the TRNC will change,” he declared, adding that the projects are of strategic importance not only for the country but for the entire Eastern Mediterranean.

The Prime Minister also called on international bodies, the EU, and the Greek Cypriot side not to create political obstacles to the implementation of these energy initiatives, stressing that the most viable route for Cyprus's energy supply is via Turkey.

In addition, Ustel reported discussions on economic and financial cooperation up to 2026. According to him, new support programs for key sectors of the economy, including tourism, agriculture, industry, and construction, will be launched in the near future. He also announced progress on infrastructure projects — hospitals, schools, roads, and social housing — and confirmed the goal to complete them in 2026.

Regarding the Cyprus settlement, Ustel reaffirmed the two-state model position, stating that a sustainable solution is only possible with the recognition of the sovereign equality and equal international status of the TRNC.