Enhancing Turkmenistan's Capacity for a Green Energy Transition

Strategic Insights -

A recent training organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and UNECE in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, focused on sharing best international practices to ensure a sustainable energy transition and the development of renewable energy in Turkmenistan. Representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, academia, and organizations involved in implementing national energy policy, conducting research, and training personnel for the energy sector attended the event. Participants learned about global renewable energy trends, with renewables supplying over 30% of global electricity generation in 2024, and the potential of hydrogen as an enabler for future energy development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Turkmenistan has one of the highest solar irradiation levels in Central Asia, averaging 2500-3000 hours of sunshine annually, offering strong prospects for scaling up solar energy projects.
  • The country has opportunities for financing renewable energy projects, including green bonds, climate funds, and public-private partnerships.
  • Participants learned about practical tools and models for assessing prospects for using renewable energy and hydrogen in Turkmenistan, developing renewable energy projects, integrating energy storage systems, and planning and implementing projects in the energy sector.
  • A segment on methane emissions discussed the current relevant domestic regulations and opportunities for improving the Turkmenistan's general legal framework to limit the carbon footprint of the local oil and gas industry.
  • The joint programme "Support to Policy Making and Building National Capacity towards Green Energy Transition in Turkmenistan" aims to enhance Turkmenistan's capacity for a green energy transition by assessing current resources and technological needs, developing strategies for renewable energy, and ensuring social protection and skills development for the workforce affected by this transition.

Statistics:

  • Renewables supplied over 30% of global electricity generation in 2024 (International Energy Agency).
  • Turkmenistan has one of the highest solar irradiation levels in Central Asia, averaging 2500-3000 hours of sunshine annually.
  • The country has potential for scaling up solar energy projects.

Sources:

  • International Energy Agency
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
  • Joint SDG Fund