As of 2023, the electricity landscape in Turkmenistan is overwhelmingly dominated by fossil fuels, with almost all of its electricity, about 99.97%, being generated from gas-powered sources. This situation results in close to none of the electricity originating from clean or low-carbon sources, highlighting an urgent need for diversification towards more sustainable energy generation paths. The heavy reliance on gas for electricity not only poses a risk due to potential supply disruptions but also contributes significantly to climate change and air pollution, circumstances that could be mitigated through the integration of low-carbon energy options.

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

Is Electricity Growing in Turkmenistan?

There has been a slight increase in electricity consumption in Turkmenistan, as the latest figures show a consumption of 4588 kWh/person, up from 4509 kWh/person in 2022. This growth indicates a positive trend in electricity usage reflecting potential socioeconomic development. However, it is alarming that low-carbon electricity generation per person has dropped significantly over the years, plummeting to a mere 1 kWh/person in 2023 from a high of 186 kWh/person recorded in 1990. This decline demonstrates a troubling backward step from former achievements in clean energy use and signals a need for urgent strategic interventions to reinvigorate the low-carbon electricity sector.

Suggestions

To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Turkmenistan, the country could learn from regions that have successfully integrated solar and nuclear power. For instance, France and Slovakia each generate more than 65% of their electricity from nuclear power, demonstrating the viability of nuclear energy as a stable low-carbon option. Additionally, embracing solar energy, much like Nevada in the United States where solar accounts for 34% of electricity generation, could significantly advance Turkmenistan's sustainable electricity goals. The abundance of sunlight in Turkmenistan presents a promising opportunity to harness solar power, potentially transforming the energy landscape into a greener and more sustainable future.

History

Turkmenistan's history with low-carbon electricity generation, specifically hydropower, shows virtually stagnant activity from the late 1980s through to 2023. There was a brief increase in electricity generation in 1990, when an additional 0.7 TWh was recorded, but this was immediately followed by a loss in 1992 of the same amount. Since then, there have been no significant advancements in hydro-generated electricity, with figures remaining flat for several decades. This stagnation calls for a renewed and vigorous approach to developing and incorporating green energy technologies to foster a more sustainable and secure energy future for Turkmenistan.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade