In 2023, Turkmenistan's electricity generation is almost entirely reliant on fossil fuels, with gas making up virtually all, or 99.97%, of the production. This means that low-carbon energy sources contribute almost nothing to the electricity mix. The lack of diverse energy sources poses a significant challenge, especially as the world increasingly recognizes the adverse effects of fossil fuel use, such as climate change and air pollution. There is an urgent need for Turkmenistan to transition to more sustainable forms of electricity generation, embracing clean and renewable technologies to promote a healthier environment and ensure energy security for the future.

Is Electricity Growing in Turkmenistan?

Examining the trends in electricity consumption, there has been a slight increase in electricity usage in Turkmenistan. The latest data from 2023 shows a consumption rate of 4588 kWh per person, which is an increase of 79 kWh per person compared to the previous record in 2022. However, there has been a worrying reduction in low-carbon electricity generation, currently at just 1 kWh per person, a significant drop from the 186 kWh per person recorded in 1990. This reflects a decline in the country's commitment to clean energy and underscores the urgent need for strategic initiatives aimed at boosting low-carbon electricity production to meet growing energy demands sustainably.

Suggestions

Turkmenistan can look to several successful regions that have effectively integrated low-carbon electricity sources. For instance, states such as California and countries like Lebanon illustrate the viability of solar power, contributing as much as 31% of electricity generation. Complex wind adoption is seen in US states like Kansas and Iowa, where wind electricity accounts for nearly half and more than half of the state's generation, respectively. Additionally, the substantial role of nuclear power in countries like France and Ukraine, generating around 55-67% of their electricity from nuclear sources, exemplifies a sustainable path that Turkmenistan could emulate. By embracing these strategies, Turkmenistan can diversify its energy portfolio, reduce its carbon footprint, and transition towards more sustainable electricity generation.

History

Historically, Turkmenistan's low-carbon electricity endeavors have been minimal, with only hydroelectric power marking the scene—and even that on a very small scale. In 1990, there was a minor increase in hydroelectric capacity by 0.7 TWh, but this was negated the following year by an equal decline. For the subsequent decades, spanning from the late 1990s through to the present day, there has been no significant change in hydroelectric generation. This stagnation highlights a missed opportunity for developing a more sustainable and diversified energy infrastructure. As the country looks forward, it must assess this historical context as a lesson, prioritizing the expansion of both solar and nuclear electricity generation to create a robust and forward-thinking energy system.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade