Issues of diversifying Turkmen gas supply routes, cooperation in the field of methane emissions and renewable energy were discussed at a meeting of the Turkmenistan-EU Working Group on Energy, held on April 12 in Brussels, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan reports.

The delegation of Turkmenistan was headed by the Vice-Chairman of the State Concern “Turkmengas” Myrad Archaev.  The Turkmen side also included representatives of the State Concern “Turkmennebit”, the State Electric Power Corporation “Turkmenenergo” and the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Brussels.

From the EU side, representatives of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Energy, the European External Action Service, the Directorate-General for International Partnerships, the Directorate-General for Climate and the Directorate-General for Trade of the EC took part.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues of diversifying Turkmen gas supply routes, opportunities for practical cooperation in the field of methane emissions, as well as tripling renewable energy installations and doubling energy efficiency around the world, the Foreign Ministry notes.

As highlighted, strategies to improve efficiency offer significant opportunities in the context of Turkmenistan's announcement at COP28 in Dubai to join the Global Methane Commitment.

The delegation of Turkmenistan reported on achievements in the national energy sector, its legal framework, diversification efforts, commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly energy measures, as well as a solar energy project.

There was also a discussion between the Turkmen delegation and the Head of the Cabinet of the European Commissioner for Energy Stefano Grassi, dedicated to expanding cooperation between Turkmenistan and the EU in the energy sector with an emphasis on technology exchange.

Topics discussed included the historical context of relations between Central Asia and the EU, Turkmenistan's potential in the global energy market, primarily its natural gas reserves and supply capabilities, various infrastructure projects and cooperation mechanisms, etc.

The Turkmen delegation also met with the Chief Advisor for Energy Diplomacy of the European External Action Service, Tibor Stelbatsky.  During the conversation, special emphasis was placed on cooperation in the field of renewable energy sources, reducing methane emissions and natural gas supplies from Turkmenistan.