Turkmenistan plans to expand natural gas production and processing, strengthen electricity exports and increase the use of renewable energy as part of a broader effort to modernize its energy sector, according to statements presented at a meeting of the country’s Halk Maslahaty.
The energy strategy outlined at the meeting combines continued development of Turkmenistan’s large natural gas resources with investment in power generation, gas processing and emerging solar and wind projects.
The country’s oil and gas industry remains central to the strategy. The government’s Program for the Development of Turkmenistan’s Oil and Gas Industry through 2030 calls for modernization of the fuel and energy complex, increased oil and gas production and expansion of the volume and destinations of energy exports, according to the report of the meeting.
Galkynysh expansion
A major component of the strategy is the continued development of the Galkynysh gas field, one of the country’s key natural gas assets.
The fourth phase of the field’s development was launched this year. According to the report, the project includes facilities capable of processing an additional 10 billion cubic metres of commercial gas annually. Authorities said the project is expected to increase production and export capacity while creating new employment opportunities.
Turkmenistan has previously positioned Galkynysh as a major source for both domestic gas supplies and international exports. The latest development phase is intended to further increase the field’s contribution to the country’s energy sector.
Gas exports and regional infrastructure
The meeting also highlighted international gas infrastructure, including the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline.
The project was described at the meeting as an important component of Turkmenistan’s energy strategy and as an infrastructure project intended to support regional economic development and energy supplies.
The report also cited continued work on gas pipeline infrastructure, including the TAPI project and the Serhetabat-Herat gas pipeline, alongside investment in oil-refining facilities.
Turkmenistan is also modernizing its downstream energy infrastructure. The report cited construction and modernization projects at the Turkmenbashi oil-refining complex and the Seydi refinery.
Electricity exports and new generation capacity
Electricity is another expanding component of the country’s energy policy.
The Halk Maslahaty report said Turkmenistan’s electricity generation sector is being developed to meet domestic demand while also supporting exports to neighbouring countries.
The government is simultaneously adding new generation capacity. Among the projects highlighted at the meeting was a combined-cycle power plant in Turkmenbashi district, which is expected to strengthen the country’s electricity-generation infrastructure.
Solar and wind projects gain prominence
Renewable energy featured more prominently in the latest energy plans.
The meeting highlighted a multifunctional solar and wind power plant planned for Gyzylarbat district in Balkan Province. The project is intended to expand the country’s electricity-generation capabilities and diversify its energy infrastructure.
Renewable energy is also being tested in Arkadag City, where a solar power station is described in the report as a pilot project. The experience gained there is expected to be considered for possible application in other cities, including Ashgabat.
The development of solar and wind generation comes alongside continued investment in gas-fired power plants, reflecting an energy policy that is simultaneously expanding conventional generation and introducing renewable sources.
Energy and industrial diversification
The energy sector is being developed as part of a wider industrialization program. The Halk Maslahaty report lists electricity, oil and gas, chemicals, metallurgy, construction materials and other industries among the sectors contributing to the diversification of the national economy.
The report also links energy and industrial policy with broader environmental objectives, including efforts to develop a “green” economy and respond to climate-change challenges.
For Turkmenistan, whose economy and export revenues remain closely connected to hydrocarbons, the developments outlined at the Halk Maslahaty meeting indicate a strategy built around three parallel priorities: expanding gas production and exports, increasing domestic and regional electricity capacity, and gradually introducing renewable energy into the national power system.
The September meeting therefore presented energy not only as a source of export revenue, but also as a foundation for industrial development, infrastructure expansion and regional energy cooperation.
compiled by
Allanur ANNAYEV,
student at The State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan
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