The China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank approved the first loan to Turkey for its underground gas storage project, the bank announced on Wednesday.

The $600 million loan for the project is expected to increase the security of Turkey's gas supply by 4.2 billion cubic meters per year, and is expected to reduce carbon intensity of the energy supply, according to the bank.

"The development of gas storage capacity is an integral component of Turkey's energy strategy," said the bank's vice-president and chief investment officer D.J. Pandian. "Our investment in this project will bring great benefits to gas consumers across Turkey and will help AIIB establish long-term cooperation with the government and other important entities in the country."

In 2017, the bank has provided a total of $4.2 billion allotted to 23 approved projects in sectors including transport, energy and telecommunication.

The bank now has 87 approved members.