Situated in the heart of Eurasia, Turkmenistan stands out as the only country in the world to decree free electricity, gas and water for its citizens until 2030. Recent advancements in the renewable energy industry in Turkmenistan have significantly increased the level of exports to neighboring countries, alongside alleviating energy poverty domestically.

Greening Turkmenistan’s Electricity Sector

The state power corporation Turkmenenergo is responsible for the management of urban and rural electrification, and one can trace the successes of its efforts back to 1913, with the establishment of the first electric power plant for the Turkmen population. Until 1957, small isolated power plants and diesel-based stations primarily supplied electric energy to consumers.

By 1979, Turkmenenergo achieved complete centralization of power in rural areas, reducing energy poverty and integrating renewables into the grid. In 1993, initiatives to enhance social welfare led to the provision of free electricity to the population prioritizing fulfilling energy satisfaction domestically.  Additionally, Turkmenistan has increased electricity exports to neighboring countries like Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey, with a renewable sources powering a growing share.

Current Strategy

The development of a Public Outreach Strategy on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency powers Turkmenistan’s transition to green electrification. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded the strategy, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) implemented it.

The outreach strategy aims to raise public awareness about the benefits of renewable energy in Turkmenistan and to harness the country’s substantial solar energy potential. Given more than 300 sunny days annually, amounting to 2,774 hours of variable sunshine throughout the country, there is a significant interest in tapping into solar energy. By investing in outreach and infrastructure, Turkmenistan is actively integrating renewables into its grid, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and striving to meet its Net Zero targets by 2030.

Energy Accessibility

The government is undertaking efforts to construct and reconstruct electric networks in accordance with the President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Development Programme, prioritizing energy accessibility in towns and villages. Leveraging the existing renewable energy potential will ensure a more consistent flow of centralized renewable electricity in Ashgabat, and this shift will reduce dependency on outdated modes of electrification based on traditional fossil fuels in Ashkhabad, Akhal and Abadan power plants.

The acceleration of renewable energy in Turkmenistan is integral for its economic, political and cultural development. Investing in green energy would help Turkmenistan mitigate energy poverty, and offer a more reliable and sustainable power supply. Indeed, studies have widely confirmed that increased consumption of renewable energy will accelerate emissions reduction and accelerate energy efficiency and conservation. Given this context, the acceleration of renewable energy in Turkmenistan directly supports efforts to promote sustainable environments that will facilitate urban growth by minimizing harmful externalities like air pollution and emissions.

The Turkmen Government’s Projects

The efforts of the Turkmen government have significantly alleviated energy poverty levels, reaching remote and hard-to-reach areas. The country has laid out projects to actively extend electrification from grids harnessed by renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to supply electricity to settlements located on the outskirts of the country.

One notable project involves the construction of a 10-megawatt hybrid solar-wind power plant in the Serdar district of the Balkan province, near the Altyn Asyr Turkmen Lake. This facility aims to provide a reliable power supply to newly established settlements in the vicinity, enhancing energy accessibility and supporting the socio-economic development here. Furthermore, the construction of these cost-effective alternative green energy facilities that do not contribute to environmental damage, ensures the implementation of all state goals envisioning sustainability and growth. 

Additional Development Projects

Turkmenistan is actively seeking international cooperation to enhance its renewable share in the energy sector. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to provide technical assistance for integrating renewable-based solutions to support the country’s green transformation. These initiatives include developing solar energy roadmaps and launching pilot urban solar power plants, leading to diversification of the economic and energy landscape alongside environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan has launched a collaborative project with the European Union titled EU for Turkmenistan’s Green Development: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024-2028. This initiative would focus on promoting renewable energy and energy efficiency, including measures to limit and cap harmful gaseous emissions.

Looking Ahead

The commitment to attain renewable energy in Turkmenistan is evident through the joint practical steps undertaken through its strategies and international collaborations. By focusing on sustainable development and energy efficiency, the country is paving the way towards a greener future, which will benefit both its citizens and the broader region.  

– Tanisha Bhattacharyya

Tanisha is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

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