Turkey hopes shale gas will plug its energy deficit

Promising shale deposits could help lessen the country's dependence on gas imports

The Republic of Turkey, formed from the remains of the Ottoman Empire, will be 100 years old in 2023, and the government wants to celebrate the centenary by putting the country's economy among the world's 10 largest. Years of strong growth have already brought it to 17th. Keeping a steady flow of affordable energy will be a priority. Already heavily reliant on imported oil and gas, Turkish consumption is expected to double over the next 10 years. Unless the government can spur domestic production the import bill will be a drag on growth. Shale deposits scattered around the country, already luring some investors, will be part of the strategy. Taner Yildiz, Turkey's energy minister, said recen