Electricity in Turkmenistan in 2023

As of 2023, the electricity consumption in Turkmenistan is overwhelmingly dominated by fossil fuels, with nearly all, or approximately 99.97%, of the electricity generated from fossil energy sources. This implies that the contribution of clean or low-carbon energy to the country’s electricity mix is virtually nonexistent, with close to none of the nation’s electricity coming from sources such as wind, solar, nuclear, or hydro. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels is concerning, not only because of their contribution to air pollution but also due to their significant role in exacerbating climate change. It highlights an urgent need for Turkmenistan to pivot towards integrating more low-carbon energy solutions into its electricity generation mix to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Turkmenistan can look to countries that have successfully integrated such sources into their energy mix. Nations like Ukraine, Slovakia, and Belarus, which have a significant part of their electricity generated from nuclear power—55%, 62%, and 36% respectively—can offer valuable lessons on how to transition to low-carbon energy. Furthermore, Denmark’s successful harnessing of wind energy, accounting for 52% of its electricity, exemplifies how countries can leverage natural resources for clean electricity generation. Turkmenistan could follow these examples, particularly nuclear and wind energy, given the potential for scalability and sustainability. Implementing policies that foster investment in nuclear and wind energy infrastructure could enable Turkmenistan to diversify and clean its electricity mix significantly.

History

Historically, Turkmenistan’s journey in low-carbon electricity generation shows a persistent stagnation. Since the early 1990s, there has been a consistent trend of zero progress in low-carbon sources like hydro and solar, with no recorded increase in electricity generation from these resources over the decades. This pattern extends up until 2021, displaying a longstanding lack of development or diversification away from fossil fuels. This historical inaction underscores the pressing need for strategic planning and investment in clean energy technologies to ensure that Turkmenistan can begin to build a secure and sustainable electricity future, aligned with global goals for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental quality.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources