Electricity in Turkmenistan in 2023
The current state of electricity consumption in Turkmenistan in 2023 is overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, with almost 100% of its electricity being derived from gas. This almost total dependence on fossil energy leaves very little room for sustainable energy sources, with low-carbon electricity making up close to none of the consumption. The lack of diversity in energy sources could present challenges as the world increasingly moves towards cleaner energy systems to mitigate climate change and its associated impacts. Increasing low-carbon electricity generation is crucial for Turkmenistan to reduce its environmental footprint and ensure a sustainable energy future.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Turkmenistan?
In terms of growth, electricity consumption in Turkmenistan has shown a modest increase. From 2022 to 2023, there was a slight uptick in per capita electricity consumption, rising from 4,509 kWh to 4,588 kWh, which reflects an incremental gain of 79 kWh per person. However, low-carbon electricity has diminished significantly since its peak in 1990, where it stood at 186 kWh/person, and it is now only 1 kWh/person. This decline in clean energy is a clear concern, and it highlights an urgent need for revitalizing and expanding low-carbon electricity sources to meet growing demands through sustainable means.
Suggestions
Increasing low-carbon electricity generation in Turkmenistan can take inspiration from successful regions that have effectively leveraged nuclear and solar power. Countries like France and Slovakia produce a substantial majority of their electricity—67% and 66%, respectively—from nuclear energy. Meanwhile, regions like North Macedonia and Nevada illustrate the substantial potential of solar energy, contributing almost 50% and 34% of their electricity, respectively. By fostering similar initiatives, Turkmenistan could diversify and clean its electricity generation. Embracing nuclear and solar power, which have been successfully adopted by regions with various geographical and political backgrounds, can provide a robust path towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy framework.
History
Historically, low-carbon electricity in Turkmenistan has been predominantly generated from hydroelectric power. In the year 1990, there was a positive shift with hydroelectric generation increasing by 0.7 TWh, but unfortunately, this gain was reversed in 1992 and has remained stagnant ever since. From the late 1990s through the early 2020s, there has been no notable change in the contribution from hydroelectric power. This stagnation underscores a missed opportunity to capitalize on sustainable sources for electricity generation, and it presents an urgent call for an overhaul of Turkmenistan's approach to developing its low-carbon electricity sector. Focusing on expanding nuclear and solar power could greatly enhance the country's resilience against the environmental impacts of fossil fuels and re-align it on a path towards green and sustainable growth.
