In recent years, Turkmenistan has been actively increasing the production and export of electricity, making this sector one of the priority areas for the development of the national economy. Thanks to the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects, construction of new power plants and modernization of existing facilities, the country has managed to significantly increase electricity generation. This made it possible not only to fully meet the domestic needs of industry and population, but also to actively export electricity to neighboring countries.
Turkmenistan already supplies electricity to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Iran. At the same time, export volumes show a steady growth from year to year. Thus, according to the International Energy Agency, in 2022, electricity exports from Turkmenistan increased by 30% compared to the previous year.
Strong growth of energy potential
In 2022, Turkmenistan demonstrated significant growth in electricity generation and exports. According to the same International Energy Agency, electricity generation in the country increased by 11% compared to the previous year. This was facilitated by the commissioning of new generating capacities, in particular at a large gas turbine power complex in Mary province.
Turkmenistan was able to increase its electricity exports due to increased production. The increase in exports was made possible by increasing its own production, as well as the commissioning of new transmission lines, which allowed it to expand the geography of supply.
The growth of electricity production and exports testifies to the strengthening of Turkmenistan's energy potential. The country is consistently increasing its capacity and strengthening its position as one of the key exporters of electricity in Central Asia.
Expanding the geography of electricity exports in Central Asia
In August 2021, Turkmenistan started exporting electricity to Kyrgyzstan. This became possible due to the commissioning of the Turkmen-Kyrgyz power transmission line with a length of more than 500 km.
The new export route allowed Turkmenistan to supply electricity to the Kyrgyz Republic for the first time, expanding the geography of exports. Previously, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran were the main recipients of Turkmen electricity.
The launch of electricity supplies to Kyrgyzstan opens up new prospects for Turkmenistan to increase exports in the Central Asian region. The availability of excess generating capacity allows the country to confidently increase electricity generation and exports. Implementation of new infrastructure projects will contribute to further diversification of its exports.
Energy bridge between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Turkmenistan significantly increased its electricity exports to Uzbekistan in 2022 compared to the previous year. The International Energy Agency reports that the countries have agreed to increase Turkmen electricity supplies to 4 billion kWh per year.
The expansion of exports to Uzbekistan was made possible by Turkmenistan's launch of new generating capacities in recent years. By increasing its own production, the country received additional volumes for export.
The new agreement will strengthen the energy partnership between the two countries and increase the reliability of Uzbekistan's electricity supply. Turkmenistan already supplies a significant share of Uzbekistan's electricity imports, and a further increase in supplies will increase the energy bridge between the countries.
New transmission line and strengthening of energy connectivity between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan
In January 2021, a new power transmission line Kerky-Shiberghan was launched in Turkmenistan, connecting the energy systems of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The length of the line is more than 500 km.
The launch of the 500 kV transmission line increased electricity exports from Turkmenistan to Afghanistan. The availability of excess generating capacity in Turkmenistan opened up an opportunity to increase exports of electricity to the neighboring country.
The commissioning of the Kerky-Shiberghan line has strengthened the energy partnership between Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. The implementation of such infrastructure projects increases the reliability of energy supply to Afghanistan and strengthens Turkmenistan's export opportunities.
Turkmenistan's aspiration for Central Asian energy interconnection
Recently, Turkmenistan has been actively implementing plans to integrate into the emerging unified energy system of Central Asia. The country aims to expand cooperation with neighboring countries in the electricity sector.
According to statements by the government of Turkmenistan, by 2025 it is planned to build new power transmission lines and substations to ensure parallel operation with the energy systems of other countries in the region. In particular, work is underway to create an energy ring within Turkmenistan that will connect all key power plants in the country.
The implementation of these plans will strengthen the energy infrastructure of Central Asia and increase the sustainability of energy supply in the region. Turkmenistan's active participation in this process confirms the country's commitment to closer energy integration in Central Asia.
Development of Turkmenistan's energy sector for the benefit of the region
In the coming years, Turkmenistan plans to actively increase its energy capacity as part of the implementation of the program for the development of the industry until 2025.
According to the program, 7 more large energy facilities will be built in the country, including new power plants and transmission lines. This will increase both production and transit of electricity.
The construction of new facilities is aimed, among other things, at expanding Turkmenistan's export opportunities. The new facilities will increase electricity supplies to the countries of the region, which will contribute to energy integration and improve the reliability of supply to consumers.
The implementation of the large-scale investment program confirms Turkmenistan's aspiration to strengthen its position as a major producer and exporter of electricity in Central Asia.
Export potential of Turkmenistan covering Central Asia and the Middle East
Turkmenistan currently exports electricity to several countries in Central Asia and the Middle East. The main recipients of Turkmen electricity are Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Supplies are made through power transmission lines connecting Turkmenistan's energy system with neighboring countries. The availability of surplus generating capacity allows the country to increase exports as its own production increases.
The wide geography of exports indicates that Turkmenistan has significant potential to increase electricity supply in the region. Further development of interstate power grids will contribute to export growth and strengthen the country's role as a key regional exporter.
Turkmenistan's plans to supply energy to Kazakhstan
According to Turkmenistan's leadership, the country is considering the possibility of starting electricity exports to Kazakhstan in the near future.
Potential electricity and gas supplies to Kazakhstan were discussed at a meeting of foreign ministers of Turkic-speaking countries earlier this year. Turkmenistan has stated its readiness to supply energy resources to Kazakhstan as soon as an agreement is reached.
Turkmenistan has significant surplus power generation capacity, which allows it to actively increase exports. The launch of electricity supplies to Kazakhstan will help diversify the country's export routes.
Thus, Turkmenistan demonstrates a confident willingness to develop cooperation with Kazakhstan in the energy sector through the export of electricity.
Modernization of Turkmenistan's power plants to increase their efficiency
In recent years, Turkmenistan has been actively modernizing existing power plants by converting them to a combined cycle of energy production.
For example, in 2018, the country's largest HPP, Mary HPP, was switched to a combined cycle. This allowed doubling its capacity. It is planned to transfer the Akhal and Dashoguz HPPs to the combined cycle.
Switching to a combined cycle improves fuel efficiency and reduces specific emissions per unit of energy produced. Modernization allows Turkmenistan to increase electricity generation without commissioning new facilities. Implementation of the power plant modernization program will strengthen the country's energy potential.
Development of green energy in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan pays special attention to the development of "green" energy. Thus, the country plans to build the first hybrid solar-wind power plant with a capacity of 10 MW. It will be located in the Balkan province.
The creation of a hybrid solar-wind plant is part of Turkmenistan's efforts to develop renewable energy. The use of solar and wind energy will help diversify the country's energy balance and reduce dependence on traditional sources.
Commissioning of the new plant will mark the beginning of the green energy era in Turkmenistan. Successful implementation of the project may become an incentive for further construction of renewable generating facilities using environmentally friendly energy sources.
Establishment of a modern energy repair center in Turkmenistan
A new Center for repair and maintenance of power equipment is under construction in Turkmenistan. It will be located in Byuzmeyin district of Ashgabat.
The center will be equipped with the latest technology for repair and service of advanced power equipment. The Center will be equipped with the latest technology for repair and service of advanced power equipment.
Establishment of an in-house repair center will improve the efficiency of Turkmenistan's power facilities through timely performance of the necessary maintenance work. In addition, training of highly qualified national energy personnel will be organized on the basis of the center.
Summarizing the results, we can confidently say that Turkmenistan demonstrates impressive dynamics of development of the electric power industry. In recent years, the country has managed to significantly increase generating capacity to meet the growing domestic demand, as well as to create export potential in the electricity sector.
Active construction of new power plants, modernization of existing facilities, creation of high-tech infrastructure - all this allowed Turkmenistan to increase electricity production and start exporting it to neighboring Central Asian countries. It should be reminded that Turkmen electricity is already supplied to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Iran.
The implementation of large-scale plans for further development of the industry by 2025 will allow Turkmenistan to strengthen its position as one of the leading producers and exporters of electricity in the Central Asian region. The country's active participation in the formation of a common energy space will contribute to the sustainable development of the entire region.
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