US energy hub courts Turkish investors with cost advantage pitch

2026-02-07 - 09:25

American economic development officials are making a direct pitch to Turkish industrialists, highlighting the United States' strategic energy advantage as a primary lure for foreign investment. During the recent 2026 SelectUSA Investment Roadshow held across several Turkish cities, representatives from US states, particularly the shale-rich region known as "Shale Crescent USA," emphasized access to abundant, low-cost natural gas and electricity as a decisive factor for energy-intensive manufacturing. The shale gas advantage for heavy industry The primary sales pitch centers on the immense energy resources of the tri-state region encompassing Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Nathan Lord, President of Shale Crescent USA, stated that if these three states were a country, they would rank as the "world's third-largest natural gas producer" after the rest of the U.S. and Russia. He emphasized that the area offers the "cheapest natural gas and electricity in the US," providing "unmatched profitability and supply security" for sectors like steel, petrochemicals, glass, and automotive manufacturing. Lord expressed confidence that "dozens of Turkish companies will invest in our region" following their meetings. Contrasting Turkish and European business climates Beyond energy costs, American representatives offered a notable comparative analysis of business environments. Greg Kozera, Marketing Director for Shale Crescent USA, drew a sharp distinction between Türkiye and Europe based on his observations. He remarked, "Europeans talk, but Turks do," praising Türkiye's ability to rapidly complete large-scale infrastructure projects and the government's role in encouraging, rather than blocking, investors. Kozera observed new industrial zones rising along the Istanbul-Ankara corridor while facilities in Europe are closing, suggesting a "major opportunity for Türkiye to assume a real leadership role in Europe." Broader investment outreach and strategic goals The roadshow events in Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Ankara were organized by SelectUSA, a U.S. federal program aimed at promoting foreign direct investment. The initiative seeks to channel Turkish capital into diverse sectors including energy, chemicals, metals, electronics, aviation, and advanced manufacturing. By positioning the shale-rich U.S. heartland as a reliable, low-cost production base, American officials aim to redirect a portion of global industrial investment from Asia and Europe, strengthening supply chains and creating jobs in the United States through strategic partnerships with dynamic Turkish firms.