As COP31 host, Türkiye signs new oil and gas deals with major energy firms, prompting climate experts to warn that fossil expansion contradicts global 1.5°C targets.
As Türkiye prepares to host the UN climate summit COP31 later this year, its state energy company Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) is expanding fossil fuel partnerships, raising concerns among climate experts and environmentalists.
On February 5, 2026, TPAO signed a memorandum of understanding with Chevron Corporation to explore and produce oil and natural gas both in Türkiye and internationally. The partnership covers onshore and offshore projects and aligns with Ankara’s ambition to increase domestic production to 1 million barrels per day.
Just weeks earlier, TPAO signed similar agreements with ExxonMobil in January 2026 and BP on February 12, 2026, focusing on energy-rich regions including Iraq, Libya, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, Ph.D., said these deals are part of Türkiye’s strategy to reduce reliance on imports, particularly from Russia while strengthening ties with Western energy companies.
Climate experts have warned that these fossil fuel expansions contradict global climate targets. The International Energy Agency has emphasized that limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius requires no new oil and gas projects. Observers note that continuing exploration while hosting a climate summit risks undermining credibility on the international stage.
TPAO’s overseas push also includes partnerships in Libya with Repsol and MOL as well as potential collaborations in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. The ministry expects production of 500,000 barrels per day by 2028 as part of longer-term ambitions to reach 1 million barrels per day.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said, “Hosting a global climate conference is a significant responsibility. Expanding oil and gas while highlighting sustainability sends the wrong signal. If we are serious about limiting warming to 1.5 degrees urgent action to transition away from fossil fuels must start now and leaders must align their energy policies with the commitments they make on the international stage.”
Critics say Türkiye’s approach highlights a broader tension, hosting COP31 as a showcase for sustainability while simultaneously expanding fossil fuel production. Analysts warn that such expansion increases the risk of stranded assets and environmental degradation, especially in sensitive offshore areas.
Observers will be closely watching whether Türkiye can balance its energy ambitions with its role as COP31 host, a challenge that will have implications for global climate leadership.
