The European Union (EU) and Turkmenistan have officially launched an initiative “EU for Turkmenistan’s Green Development: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024-2028.” The project aims to advance environmentally sustainable development in Turkmenistan by aligning with EU standards and best practices. Funded by the EU and the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the program focuses on promoting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and reducing methane and greenhouse gas emissions.
The initiative was inaugurated in May 2024 after a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation was signed between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the State Concern Turkmengaz, and the German development agency GIZ. The project launch coincided with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the EU and Turkmenistan, marking a milestone in energy and climate collaboration.
Project manager Karolina Milov emphasized that a key aspect of the project is fostering dialogue between EU representatives and Turkmenistan’s state structures to promote green energy. She also noted that the project aims to strengthen state institutions’ capacity to develop effective climate change adaptation measures.
The project features two pilot areas, where adaptation measures will be tested, including renewable energy development and monitoring methane emissions. These initiatives aim to mitigate the effects of climate change on both regional and global scales.
Turkmenistan has been making notable strides in green energy and technology development. In recent years, the country launched several renewable energy projects, including constructing its first 10 MW hybrid wind-solar power plant in the Balkan province. This facility aims to provide sustainable energy to remote regions.
Additionally, Turkmenistan signed an agreement with Masdar from the UAE in 2022 to build its first large-scale solar power plant with a capacity of 100 MW. In 2023, the government contracted a Turkish company to construct a 1,574 MW power plant, further solidifying its commitment to renewable energy development.
The EU-backed project for 2024-2028 aims to build on these efforts, accelerating Turkmenistan’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
