In 2023, Turkmenistan’s electricity consumption depended almost entirely on fossil fuels: gas accounted for 99.97%, or virtually all of its electricity. Low-carbon electricity contributed close to none. This leaves substantial scope to diversify electricity supply with clean sources while reducing the climate impacts and air pollution associated with fossil fuels.

Is Electricity Growing in Turkmenistan?

Electricity consumption per person is growing, although modestly. In 2023, it reached about 4,590 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record of about 4,510 kWh in 2022 by 79 kWh, or nearly 2%. However, low-carbon electricity generation was just 1 kWh per person—185 kWh below its 1990 record of 186 kWh. The new consumption record is encouraging, but the near-absence of clean electricity and its decline from the historical peak are concerning. Future electricity growth should be supported by much greater low-carbon generation to meet expanding demand from electrification and digital infrastructure.

Suggestions

Turkmenistan should prioritize solar development and consider building nuclear generation, complemented by wind where local resources are suitable. Relevant examples include Pakistan, where solar supplies about a quarter of electricity generation and nuclear another 13%, and the United Arab Emirates, where nuclear supplies a fifth. Armenia’s nuclear share of almost a third also offers a useful regional reference. For solar deployment in sunny, arid settings, Turkmenistan could learn from the US state of Nevada, where solar supplies 35% of electricity generation. For wind, Turkey’s 12% share provides another regional example. These places demonstrate practical pathways toward a diversified clean electricity supply through sustained investment, grid expansion, and the development of technical expertise.

History

The reported history of low-carbon electricity in Turkmenistan is dominated by hydroelectric stagnation. From 1986 through 1989, hydro generation showed no annual change, followed by an increase of 0.7 TWh in 1990 and no change in 1991. A decline of 0.7 TWh in 1992 then reversed that gain. Every reported year from 1993 through 1999, and again from 2021 through 2023, recorded no change in hydro generation. Although the supplied series does not cover the intervening years, the reported periods show little sustained progress—underscoring the need for a new phase of low-carbon electricity growth.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade