POWER GENERATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
When extracting hydrocarbons, Turkmenistan pays great attention to the environmental aspects of field development. As the Esteemed President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated: "Turkmenistan sets an example in implementing important international initiatives for the development and rational use of natural resources, environmental protection and energy security at the regional and global levels."
This commitment is especially evident in the country’s evolving electrical energy sector, where significant efforts are underway to modernise infrastructure, improve efficiency, and integrate sustainable practices.
Turkmenistan's electrical energy sector is experiencing a dynamic transformation, characterised by robust investment in technology, the expansion of renewable energy resources, and a strategic approach to energy exportation. While the country remains reliant on its vast natural gas reserves, the leadership is steadfast in its pursuit of diversification, sustainability, and regional cooperation, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient future for both the nation and its neighbours.
The expansion and modernisation of Turkmenistan’s electrical grid and generation capacity have been key pillars of the country’s development agenda. With a growing domestic demand for electricity, Turkmenistan has sought to bolster its power infrastructure to meet the needs of its industries, residential sectors, and the growing population. Projects such as the upgrades to the Lebap State Power Station exemplify this strategy, where the installation of high-efficiency turbines and the expansion of existing facilities are expected to increase the plant’s capacity by over 500 MW. The strategic enhancement of this power station and others is critical to ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply for the country, while also positioning Turkmenistan to capitalise on energy exports to neighbouring countries.
In addition to upgrading traditional gas-fired power plants, Turkmenistan has been investing in the construction of modern steam and hydroelectric plants. The Mary Power Plant, a cornerstone of the national electricity generation system, stands as one of the largest in the country, producing over 1200 MW. New plants are also under construction in major regions such as Ahal and Balkan, with a clear aim to address rising demand and improve grid stability.
Natural gas continues to dominate Turkmenistan’s electricity generation, contributing over 70% of the total output. However, the country is keen on improving the efficiency of its gas-powered plants by embracing cutting-edge technologies. International partnerships with industry giants such as Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems and General Electric have enabled Turkmenistan to integrate gas turbine technologies, which not only enhance fuel efficiency but also reduce emissions, aligning with the country’s growing focus on environmental responsibility.
The high-voltage transmission lines expansion is another key area of focus. With over 24,000 km of transmission lines constructed in remote areas, Turkmenistan has significantly increased electricity access across the country. Additionally, the implementation of smart grids will provide better control over the flow of electricity, reduce losses, and enable future integration of renewable energy sources.
With its extensive energy reserves, Turkmenistan is positioning itself as a regional leader in electricity exports. The country’s commitment to energy cooperation with neighbouring countries is evident in projects like the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) power corridor. The TAP project will involve the construction of a 220 kV power line, facilitating the export of electricity from Turkmenistan’s Mary Power Plant to Afghanistan, and eventually extending to Pakistan. This project will not only stabilise Afghanistan’s power supply but also promote regional economic growth by improving energy access.
By tapping into new markets such as Pakistan, Turkmenistan aims to diversify its energy exports and reduce its reliance on a few key trading partners. The country is also working on expanding its transmission infrastructure to reach further into Central Asia and beyond, enhancing its regional energy diplomacy.
As part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, Turkmenistan is increasingly focusing on energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. The country’s modernisation efforts include the installation of detander-generators, a promising technology that generates cleaner power by utilising natural gas with higher efficiency and lower emissions.
Additionally, the country is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its power generation sector, incorporating carbon capture technologies into existing plants. The National Energy Ring, a major development in the power grid, will integrate the electrical systems of different regions, reduce transmission losses, and eventually facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
In conclusion, Turkmenistan’s electrical energy sector is moving towards a greener, more sustainable future. With continued investments in infrastructure, technological innovations, and regional cooperation, the country is enhancing its energy security, addressing domestic demand, and positioning itself as a key energy exporter in Central Asia.
When extracting hydrocarbons, Turkmenistan pays great attention to the environmental aspects of field development. As the Esteemed President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated: "Turkmenistan sets an example in implementing important international initiatives for the development and rational use of natural resources, environmental protection and energy security at the regional and global levels." This commitment is clearly reflected in the country’s rapidly expanding green energy sector, where solar and wind power are becoming increasingly integral to Turkmenistan’s energy future.
The country is strategically investing in renewable energy sources, recognising both the need to reduce its carbon emissions and the tremendous potential of its natural environment. With vast deserts and strong winds, Turkmenistan is uniquely positioned to harness the power of the sun and wind, leading the way in renewable energy within the region.
Turkmenistan is blessed with abundant sunlight, making solar energy one of the most promising renewable sources in the country. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, the country enjoys one of the highest solar potential levels in the world. The government has recognised this advantage and is actively pursuing large-scale solar energy projects. In the Garagum Desert, vast tracts of land are being allocated for the development of solar farms that will contribute significantly to the country's renewable energy goals.
The first phase of the solar initiative is already underway, with 6 MW of solar power coming online by the end of 2024. These early developments are expected to lay the foundation for larger projects, with future ambitions aiming for 50 MW of solar capacity by 2030. In addition to solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, Turkmenistan is exploring the potential for solar thermal power — a technology that uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight and produce electricity, providing an efficient means of energy production, especially in areas with high sunlight exposure.
Wind energy is another vital element of Turkmenistan’s green energy strategy. The country’s eastern regions and coastal areas along the Caspian Sea are particularly suitable for wind energy generation due to their consistent and strong winds. The government is already moving forward with several wind farm projects, aiming to harness the region’s wind power potential.
In the near future, Turkmenistan plans to have wind farms producing more than 100 MW of electricity, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy security in the northern regions of the country. These developments are also expected to reduce carbon emissions, contribute to cleaner air, and help achieve national sustainability targets.
Turkmenistan’s National Strategy for Renewable Energy Development outlines ambitious goals for renewable energy integration. The country aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, with a major focus on expanding renewable energy sources. Solar, wind, and other forms of green energy are expected to contribute significantly to the nation’s energy mix, gradually reducing reliance on natural gas.
The government is also working on projects that focus on biogas production, leveraging methane emissions from waste and agricultural byproducts to generate clean energy. Such initiatives contribute to Turkmenistan’s broader strategy to reduce methane emissions and transition to more sustainable energy practices.
One of the flagship projects is the 10 MW hybrid solar-wind power plant near Lake Altyn Asyr, which combines solar and wind technologies to provide a reliable energy supply. The plant will serve as a model for future renewable energy projects, demonstrating the potential for hybrid systems to optimise energy production and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Turkmenistan is increasingly engaging in international partnerships to advance its renewable energy goals. By working with global energy firms, technology providers, and development organisations, Turkmenistan aims to foster innovation in solar and wind energy technologies. These collaborations not only help accelerate the development of renewable energy projects but also enable the country to access cutting-edge technologies and expertise.
Additionally, Turkmenistan is exploring the possibility of domestic solar panel manufacturing, tapping into the rich resources of silicon available in the Garagum Desert. Such initiatives could position Turkmenistan as a regional hub for solar technology, benefiting both the national economy and the wider Central Asian region.
In line with global efforts to combat climate change, Turkmenistan is pursuing a comprehensive strategy that integrates sustainability across all sectors. The government’s investments in smart grid technologies will facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the existing grid, providing greater flexibility, reducing energy waste, and improving overall system reliability.
With a clear commitment to a cleaner, greener future, Turkmenistan is positioning itself as a leader in the region’s transition to renewable energy. By capitalising on its natural advantages, fostering international cooperation, and investing in innovative technologies, Turkmenistan is set to achieve its green energy ambitions and play a significant role in global climate action.
In conclusion, Turkmenistan's green energy sector is expanding rapidly, driven by the country's natural resource wealth, strategic policies, and international partnerships. By investing in solar, wind, and other renewable sources, Turkmenistan is shaping a sustainable energy future that will benefit the environment, economy, and society as a whole.