Abdulhamid Hamid Al-Kba

Turkmenistan stands out as one of Central Asia’s richest countries in natural gas, which forms the backbone of its economy and accounts for about 88% of its electricity generation. Yet the global shift toward low-carbon energy is prompting a reassessment of its energy strategy.

Rather than replacing gas with renewables, Turkmenistan seeks to integrate them as a complement—enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and opening new export avenues. This balanced approach reflects its international commitments, including the 2016 Paris Agreement and its updated nationally determined contribution (NDC) pledging an unconditional 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2010 levels, with the energy sector responsible for 85% of emissions.

Regionally, Central Asian countries are advancing at varying paces. Kazakhstan achieved 5% of its electricity from wind and solar in 2023, targeting 15% by 2030. Uzbekistan has added 2.5 GW of solar and wind since 2022, aiming for 40% clean energy by 2030.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan rely heavily on hydropower (over 75%). In contrast, Turkmenistan’s renewable share remains marginal (less than 0.1%), but its solar potential is immense—estimated at up to 655 GW according to United Nations and related assessments—positioning it as a potential regional exporter.

The legal framework has evolved recently: The Law on Renewable Energy Sources (enacted 2021, amended 2023) regulates solar, wind, and hydropower. Pilot projects include a 10 MW hybrid solar-wind station in Gyzylarbat, a 300 MW solar plant in Kerki, and generation facilities in Ahal and Dashoguz that save significant annual gas volumes.

These are positive steps, but progress remains slow compared to neighbors, underscoring the need for acceleration. International support is robust: The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and United Nations fund low-carbon initiatives, including $15 million from the Global Environment Facility. Turkmenistan’s 2023 joining of the Global Methane Pledge opens opportunities to curb leaks.

Original Perspective: Regional Cooperation as a Driver of Transformation
To realize its ambitions, Turkmenistan should prioritize regional cooperation—particularly amid projects like the Caspian Green Energy Corridor (also referred to as the Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor). This initiative, backed by memoranda among Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan (signed in 2024–2025), aims to export clean electricity to Europe via undersea cables and interconnected grids, leveraging the Caspian Sea.

Turkmenistan, with its strategic Caspian coastline, could join as a major solar supplier. A concrete proposal: Form a quadripartite alliance (Turkmenistan–Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan) to develop joint hybrid projects—such as interconnected solar-wind farms—supported by the World Bank’s Regional Electricity Market Interconnectivity and Trade (REMIT) Program (approved 2026). REMIT seeks to create Central Asia’s first regional electricity market, boost trade to at least 15,000 GWh annually, triple transmission capacity, and integrate up to 9 GW of clean energy, with initial investments including around $700 million in Phase 1 for participating countries.

Such cooperation would address local grid challenges, attract private investment, and transform Turkmenistan from a raw gas exporter into a clean electricity provider. It would also enhance regional stability by balancing water and energy resources.

Conclusion
Turkmenistan’s green ambitions represent a strategic equilibrium: preserving its gas strength while aligning with the global energy transition. With pilot projects and international backing, the country is advancing gradually, but acceleration demands bold regional partnerships. By integrating into green energy corridors, Turkmenistan can emerge as a key player in a sustainable Central Asian future, contributing to regional and global energy security.

Writer and researcher specializing in Central Asia and Azerbaijan