TURKMENISTAN IS IMPLEMENTING AMBITIOUS ENERGY PROJECTS AND BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS. HIGHLIGHTING THE MODERNIZATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE, COLLABORATION WITH INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS, AND THE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF NEW POWER PLANTS, THE COUNTRY'S ENERGY MINISTER PROVIDES INSIGHTS INTO TURKMENISTAN'S EFFORTS TO ENHANCE ENERGY SECURITY, BOOST ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND ENSURE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT.

COULD YOU DISCUSS THE INTERREGIONAL PROJECT AND DEVELOPMENT GOALS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ASIAN BANK, FOCUSING ON ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE AND STABILITY?

In Turkmenistan, extensive work is underway to modernize and strengthen the material and technical base of the electric power industry and to form a reliable energy system. This comprehensive initiative not only aims to fully meet the domestic needs of our nation but also continuously increases the volume and geographical scope of electricity exports.

To ensure the optimal operation of internal power grids and the necessary redistribution of electricity, a large-scale project to create a unified ring energy system of the country was initiated. This ring system is designed to ensure the reliability of the national power grid through mutual backup of power units between regions and Ashgabat, allowing for maintenance and modernization of substations and power lines without disrupting supply. This project involves the construction of new 220 kV and 500 kV transmission lines and substations.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank, the first phase saw the construction of a high-voltage transmission line along the Ahal-Balkan route, completed in October 2021. In November 2023, the high-voltage line Ahal-Mary was commissioned, followed by the Balkan-Dashoguz link in June 2024. These initiatives are not just infrastructural developments; they represent a strategic move towards a more stable and robust energy supply network that can support both domestic consumption and international export needs. The creation of this unified ring energy system is pivotal in ensuring the efficient distribution and reliable supply of electricity across Turkmenistan, enhancing both our national energy security and our capacity to participate in regional energy markets.

WHAT ROLE DO ENERGY SERVICE CENTERS PLAY IN TURKMENISTAN’S ENERGY SECTOR, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO EXPAND THESE FACILITIES TO IMPROVE ENERGY SERVICES NATIONWIDE?

In July 2022, Turkmenistan opened the first Central Asian energy service center in Ashgabat in collaboration with General Electric. This center provides high-quality maintenance and repair of gas turbines using advanced technologies. It ensures the long-term functioning of existing power plants, supporting uninterrupted power supply. The center is equipped with 55 units of specialized equipment for various maintenance tasks, including testing, defect removal, and application of heat-resistant coatings. Our specialists have received professional training abroad and continue to collaborate closely with General Electric.

These centers are critical for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of our power infrastructure. They play a vital role in reducing downtime and ensuring that power generation and distribution systems operate smoothly. By expanding these facilities, we aim to improve the quality and reliability of energy services across the country. Our expansion plans include setting up additional service centers in key regions, enhancing the technical capabilities of existing facilities, and increasing the number of trained professionals. These efforts are part of our broader strategy to modernize the energy sector and ensure that it can meet the growing demands of both domestic and international markets.

COULD YOU PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR BUILDING NEW POWER PLANTS? WHAT ARE THE MAIN PROJECTS AND THEIR EXPECTED IMPACT ON THE NATIONAL ENERGY NETWORK AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY?

Currently, we have initiated the construction of a new combined cycle power plant with a capacity of 1574 megawatts on the Caspian Sea coast. This plant will enhance the installed capacity of Turkmenistan’s power system, improve domestic power supply, and facilitate electricity export to the Caucasus and Turkey. The plant will operate with 4 gas turbines and 2 steam turbines, providing a total capacity of 1574 MW. This facility will become the second-largest power plant in the country, ensuring reliable power supply to the rapidly developing Balkan region. The surplus electricity will be integrated into the national ring energy system and exported to neighboring countries.

The development of new power plants is crucial for achieving energy self-sufficiency and supporting economic growth. These projects are designed to increase the reliability and efficiency of our energy supply, reduce our dependence on imported energy, and enhance our ability to export electricity. By investing in modern, high-capacity power plants, we are laying the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable energy system that can support Turkmenistan's long-term development goals.

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WHAT OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS IN TURKMENISTAN’S ENERGY SECTOR, PARTICULARLY IN AREAS SUCH AS ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT PRODUCTION?

Our energy sector is open to international cooperation and investments. The implementation of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (TAP) transmission line project is a prime example. The Turkmen segment, including a 336 km transmission line and a 220 kV substation, is ready for operation at the Afghan border. With the completion of the transmission line section from Turkmenistan to Herat, the first phase of the project will soon be operational. Future plans include extending the transmission line to Pakistan. Additionally, the Ministry of Energy is keen on establishing local production of electrical equipment, actively exploring various proposals from both domestic and foreign companies.

We are actively seeking partnerships with international investors to enhance our energy infrastructure and develop local manufacturing capabilities. These opportunities include joint ventures, technology transfer agreements, and investment in new production facilities. By attracting foreign investment, we aim to modernize our energy sector, create jobs, and boost economic growth. Our goal is to create a dynamic and competitive energy market that benefits both domestic and international stakeholders.

Turkmenistan is committed to advancing its energy sector through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and international partnerships. Our efforts to modernize the energy grid, build new power plants, and attract foreign investment are all aimed at ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply for the future. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with international partners and stakeholders to achieve our shared goals of energy security and economic development.