On May 24-25, the Ashgabat city Hyakimlik, in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Turkmen Energy Forum, organize the White City Ashgabat 2025: International Expo and Conference. One of the main topics of the international conference is sustainable and smart energy sources.
The energy sector plays an important role in successfully implementing tasks such as rapid industrialization of the national economy. By the concept of developing the electric power sector in Turkmenistan, modern power stations have been built and are operating at a rapid pace in the country. In addition, old power transmission lines have been renovated, and energy production capacity has increased several times. This creates all the conditions for Turkmenistan’s further adaptation to the global energy system.
The “White City Ashgabat 2025: International Expo and Conference” on the financialization and diversification of energy sources is planned to discuss and implement renewable energy sources, the construction of existing and new modern power stations, as well as new investment projects in gas chemistry and electric power engineering. The conference will focus on the successful implementation of a large-scale project to create a national energy system, aiming to further develop a reliable energy supply for cities and villages in the country, solve the problems of socio-economic development, and significantly expand the scope of Turkmenistan’s electricity export opportunities.
Currently, 12 power plants with a total capacity of 7,000 MW are operating in the country. Eight of them were commissioned between 2013 and 2021. According to the project, the new combined cycle power plant will operate four gas and two steam turbines with a total capacity of 1,574 MW and will become the second most powerful power plant in the country, providing consumers in the Balkan region with reliable energy.
A new type of electricity generation, the combined steam-gas cycle, is characterized by increased efficiency. Its essence is the generation of additional electricity by feeding fuel products from gas turbines, formed at high temperatures, into steam turbines.
The introduction of this modern technology is important in terms of developing waste-free production in the country and, in addition, allows for savings in natural gas consumed for electricity generation. Also, by digitizing and automating all production processes at the power plant, central control will be established. This will ensure their high efficiency.
The excess electricity generated here can be sent to the unified ring energy network, which is currently being created. As is known, the first stage of the implementation of this grand project was the commissioning of the high-voltage power line along the Ahal-Balkan route in 2021.
In general, the creation of a single energy ring in the country provides mutual benefit between the power systems of the regions and Ashgabat. This will allow for an increase in the reliability of the internal power grid, increase energy supply, and distribute energy in the right direction when needed. The implementation of this project, providing uninterrupted electricity in the regions and the capital, will also contribute to increasing electricity exports.
The next stage in the creation of the country’s energy ring is the commissioning of the high-voltage power line along the Mary-Akhal route. Also, two new gas turbine units (GTUs) with a total capacity of 70 MW were commissioned at the Turkmenbashi complex of oil refineries. Combined cycle power stations are not only economically but also environmentally cleaner. Implementing important projects of regional and international significance in the energy sector, Turkmenistan is taking a very responsible approach to environmental protection issues.
Renewable Energy Sources
In March 2021, the Law of Turkmenistan “On Renewable Energy Sources” came into force, which allows for innovative projects for electricity generation, in particular, using alternative renewable sources – solar and wind. Already in July 2022, the construction of the first multi-purpose solar and wind power station with a capacity of 10 MW began in the Serdar district of Balkan region. All this emphasizes the need for the development of “green” energy, which will play a significant role in strengthening the future of the leading sector of the country’s economy.
Active measures taken in the country to increase the share of renewable energy sources in energy production contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the diversification of energy. Modern energy-saving technologies are being introduced in various sectors of the economy. This, in turn, makes it possible to reduce the consumption of natural resources. All this further promotes the implementation of sustainable development goals.
Gyzylgul AMANLYYEVA,
“ZamanTurkmenistan”
