Signing a contract with Russian Gazprom, Aksa Enerji is to import natural gas and bid for Istanbul and Ankara natural gas distribution tender offers. Cemil Kazancı, Chairman of Aksa Enerji, said "Within two years, we will carry out great projects with Gazprom."

Aksa Enerji, one of Turkey's largest natural gas distribution companies, and Gazprom, the Russian gas giant, soon-to enter into the Turkish natural gas market, will make significant investments over the next two years. Saying that they will look into natural gas distribution areas in Istanbul and Ankara with Gazprom, which has an annual turnover of around $300 billion, Kazancı added: "We will make investments in a number of areas involving energy, natural gas distribution tenders, and gas storage facilities. Being a partner of Gazprom is of great importance for us. We will establish a joint venture in order to carry out these projects."

Expressing that they have been working for this deal for a long time, Cemil Kazancı gave information about the projects that they are planning to carry out in the upcoming period: "The two companies will act as partners in imports, natural gas fired combined cycle power plants and natural gas distribution. We will make significant investments over the next two years. We are planning to powerfully bid for natural gas distribution tenders in Istanbul and Ankara. Along with these projects, we will press the button for prospecting and drilling natural gas, natural gas storage and LNG terminals. Ahead of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's visit to Turkey, we have held lengthy meetings with Gazprom representatives, who came with the Russian committee. These meetings have resulted in success."

Distribution in 23 Provinces

Emphasizing that they are waiting for privatization of natural gas distribution in Istanbul and Ankara, Cemil Kazancı evaluated Gazprom and Aksa partnership: "Gazprom and Aksa will establish a joint venture and gather under the same roof. Later, we will bid in tenders under this new joint venture. Ankara and Istanbul, however, are of greater importance to us. At the present, we are distributing natural gas in 23 provinces. We will also make investment in Ceyhan. Forming partnership with Gazprom, a world's giant in natural gas industry, is a very important development for us.

Investment worth of $2 Billion within 3 Years

Expressing that they have made $2 billion of investment within two years, Cemil Kazancı said: "We are making successful investments in energy sector. And these investments are outcomes of long-term efforts. In Turkey, we significantly contribute to the energy generation, natural gas distribution and generator markets. Our annual return reaches $5 billion. We have also made investments in tourism sector. Aksa Group employs 6 thousand people. We will carry out electricity distribution tenders. We will make investments with Gazprom but we will also bid for many energy tenders as Aksa group. We will apply for electricity tenders as Aksa Group."

Source: www.hurriyet.com.tr