Electricity in Turkmenistan in 2023
As of 2023, electricity consumption in Turkmenistan remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with almost all of the electricity, about 99.97%, generated from non-renewable resources. This essentially means that low-carbon sources, such as solar and nuclear, provide close to none of the total electricity in the country. The lack of significant investments in clean energy points to a missed opportunity to transition towards sustainable and environmentally friendly electricity generation, which is increasingly important in the face of global climate change concerns and air pollution issues directly linked to the heavy dependence on fossil fuels.
Is Electricity Growing in Turkmenistan?
Turning to the electricity consumption trends, Turkmenistan has seen a slight increase in per capita electricity consumption. In 2023, the figure reached 4546 kWh per person, marking an increase of 37 kWh per person from the previous record in 2022. While this marks growth, it's important to acknowledge that the increase is modest. When it comes to low-carbon electricity, the current generation stands at 1 kWh per person, less than the historic high of 2 kWh per person in 2016. This stagnation in clean energy development is disappointing and demonstrates a need for the country to amplify its efforts in expanding low-carbon electricity generation to support sustainable growth.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Turkmenistan could draw valuable lessons from regions successfully integrating clean energy into their mix. For instance, Iowa and Denmark have made remarkable strides in wind energy, contributing 63% and 52% respectively to their electricity generation from this source. Similarly, France and Slovakia are excelling in nuclear energy, with 68% and 62% of their electricity from this low-carbon source. By looking to these regions, Turkmenistan could consider substantial investments in wind and nuclear power, leveraging the vast energy potential and technological advancements that make these clean energy options viable and essential for a sustainable future.
History
Historically, Turkmenistan's low-carbon electricity generation has been stagnant, highlighted by the unchanged figures in hydroelectric and solar power recorded across various years. From 1992 to 2021, hydro and solar power contributions marked zero growth. This prolonged period of no development in clean energy sources signals a critical need for the country to engage more proactively in diversifying its electricity portfolio. Without decisive action to incorporate solar and potentially nuclear power, Turkmenistan risks being left behind in the global shift towards clean and sustainable energy generation.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.