Azerbaijan's state-owned energy company SOCAR has signed a long-term gas supply agreement with TotalEnergies, ADNOC's investment arm XRG and Turkish state pipeline operator BOTAŞ to export natural gas from the Absheron offshore field beginning in 2029.
The agreement was announced during Baku Energy Week and covers supplies from the next phase of development at the Absheron field in the Caspian Sea. A final investment decision for the project is expected later this year.
The deal is expected to strengthen energy cooperation between Azerbaijan, Turkey and international partners while reinforcing the role of the Southern Gas Corridor, a strategic pipeline network transporting Caspian gas to Turkey and European markets.
"SOCAR has signed an agreement with XRG, with TotalEnergies and BOTAŞ on the supply of Azerbaijani gas to Turkey, which is a major development," SOCAR Press Secretary Emin Sevdimaliyev said during the announcement.
He added that the agreement would enhance cooperation among participating companies and countries while further increasing the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor.
Strategic Importance for Europe
The Southern Gas Corridor has become increasingly important for European energy security since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The conflict prompted European nations to reduce reliance on Russian pipeline gas and seek alternative energy suppliers.
As a result, Azerbaijan has expanded its gas exports to Europe in recent years, with European policymakers viewing Caspian gas as a key component of the continent's energy diversification strategy.
The latest agreement is expected to further strengthen Azerbaijan's role as a reliable supplier to both Turkey and Europe.
Turkey and ADNOC Expand Energy Ties
Turkey already ranks among the largest importers of Azerbaijani natural gas, and the new agreement is expected to deepen energy ties between the two countries as Ankara continues efforts to diversify its energy sources.
For ADNOC, the deal represents another step in its international growth strategy through XRG, reflecting Abu Dhabi's increasing focus on expanding its presence across global natural gas and energy infrastructure markets.
Absheron Field Holds Significant Reserves
The Absheron offshore field is located approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Baku in the Caspian Sea. According to project estimates, the field contains around 350 billion cubic metres of natural gas and approximately 100 million tonnes of condensate.
The reservoir lies at a depth of roughly 500 metres and is considered one of Azerbaijan's key energy assets for future gas production and exports.
With development of the next phase moving forward, the project is expected to play an important role in meeting growing regional demand and supporting long-term energy security objectives across Europe and Turkey.
