In 2023, Turkmenistan's electricity consumption remains overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels with almost 100% of its electricity generated from gas. The country's electricity generation is characterized by close to none of its power coming from low-carbon or clean energy sources. This fossil-dominated energy profile underscores the pressing need for Turkmenistan to transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions. The reliance on fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and exacerbates climate change, which highlights the urgency of diversifying Turkmenistan's electricity mix towards more sustainable sources.

Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Turkmenistan?

Electricity consumption in Turkmenistan has seen a modest growth, reaching 4,588 kWh per person in 2023, a slight increase from the previous record in 2022, which stood at 4,509 kWh per person. While this growth is somewhat positive, the insignificant change in low-carbon electricity generation is concerning. Currently standing at a mere 1 kWh per person for 2023, the situation is even more disappointing when compared to 1990's record of 186 kWh per person. This stark decline indicates that Turkmenistan needs to take significant steps to revitalize its low-carbon energy sector and increase clean electricity generation to promote sustainable growth.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Turkmenistan could draw valuable lessons from regions with a significant share of solar, nuclear, and wind power in their energy mixes. Countries such as France and Slovakia, generating over 60% of their electricity from nuclear power, showcase the potential of leveraging nuclear energy for a robust and clean power supply. Similarly, adopting strategies from regions like Nevada, where a notable portion of electricity is generated from solar power, could be advantageous. Additionally, considering examples like Iowa and South Dakota that extensively harness wind power could provide insights into effectively incorporating wind energy into Turkmenistan's electricity generation portfolio. By embracing nuclear and solar energy, Turkmenistan can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and move towards a greener, more sustainable future.

History

Historically, Turkmenistan's low-carbon electricity generation has been minimal, with the last recorded year of hydroelectric contributions being in 1990, which saw a modest increase of 0.7 TWh compared to previous years. Since then, from 1991 onwards, there have been no notable efforts or developments in low-carbon energy sources until 2023. This period of stagnation underscores the necessity for Turkmenistan to prioritize and invest in clean energy technologies to secure a sustainable energy future. The country's historical reliance on hydroelectricity as its sole low-carbon source highlights the need for diversification and expansion into other avenues like nuclear and solar energy to fulfill its electricity needs responsibly and sustainably going forward.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade