In the era of the global accelerated transition to low-carbon energy sources, Turkmenistan is also actively diversifying its energy strategy. Turkmenistan offers a wide range of opportunities to international investors: from all stages of development of gas and gas condensate fields to large-scale solar and wind energy projects.

The goal of Turkmenistan’s Sustainable Development Initiative is to provide international investors and experts with up-to-date information on and in-depth analysis of methane emission reduction and renewable energy projects (for example, the solar-wind power plant near Turkmen Lake Altyn Asyr). This may be due to a number of problems, including discrepancies in the data provided by government agencies and private companies at the measurement and research stage.

Uncontrolled leaks at oil and gas field facilities (wells, structures, pipelines) are usually associated with the design of the equipment or its malfunctions. Uncontrolled emissions and flares during field work also occur. It is extremely important to organize regular monitoring of emissions into the atmosphere during the period of operation and control and measurement work. In the oil and gas industry, methane emissions can occur both at the wellhead and from other sources.

An indirect method of measuring emission factors can be used to measure methane emissions. The direct method of measuring methane emissions involves the use of sensors. Before the advent of the sensor method of measuring methane emissions, mobile, aircraft and satellite methods were also used. One of the most convenient methods today is the method of mobile sensors.

The emission rate is estimated by multiplying the wind speed by the mass of the loop. It is considered advisable to develop work plans to reduce methane emissions at oil and gas fields under development. The sources of much of the information on methane emissions, obtained using satellites, can be divided into groups such as accumulation or flow rate.

It is gratifying that in the International Year of Peace and Trust under the motto “Green Energy – Bright Future” the editorial board of the Ussatnews Electronic Newspaper together with the editorial board of the Nebit-Gaz Newspaper of the Türkmengaz State Corporation and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) announced a competition for the best articles written in Turkmenistan on green energy, renewable energy sources, the promotion of energy conservation, an increase in energy efficiency and the work carried out in this area by our esteemed President. Expressing different opinions and views is of great importance for finding an effective solution to pressing issues of global importance.

It should be noted that at the end of March in the International Year of Peace and Trust, an Information and Analytical Center supplied with IT equipment was opened at the Natural Gas Research Institute of the Türkmengaz State Concern. It plays a significant role in collecting data on greenhouse gas and methane emissions in the gas industry of our country, conducting analysis and comprehensive research and development work on project development and environment protection. The organization of international training courses on data obtained from artificial satellites and calculations using LDAR technology at the Information and Analytical Center will help improve the efficiency of activities in this area.

It is believed that it is more expedient to reduce methane emissions at fields under development (using the Döwletabat gas condensate field as an example) in two stages. The first stage involves developing a work plan and conducting pilot projects to reduce methane emissions from wells and during fluid recycling, and the second stage involves studying uncontrolled emissions associated with associated gas flaring, gas processing and compressor operation.

It is necessary to develop and implement a number of experimental studies to gain the relevant knowledge and experience in emission measurement technology at the level of the field in question. Losses due to fluid withdrawal from wells and waste – in this case, the methods for reducing emissions to the atmosphere include the following: reducing the diameter of the column tubing, using surfactant checkers (surface-active substances) and installing a bubble-jet pump (possibly powered by solar energy).

The method of storage and secondary operation of the well involves the use of the well pressure testing method and the use of a helium-forming agent to prevent gas from entering the well; the disposal of liquid waste can significantly reduce methane emissions by making simple changes to the technological process. Such methods for reducing losses include installing a pump in the well, collecting condensate in closed containers (tanks) and performing wastewater disposal.

It is proposed to use the following methods for monitoring methane emissions during hydrocarbon production: the replacement of obsolete equipment, including separators and heat exchangers; the installation of an automatic ignition system on flares; and others. To address pressing issues of ensuring the conditions for green energy, it is proposed to carry out work on the basis of specially developed comprehensive programs.

Turkmenistan successfully continues to implement strategic energy projects that determine the future of the region. In this work, the country’s stable investment climate and legislative guarantees serve as the main pillars of active participation in ensuring regional and international energy security.

Sapargylych DURDYGYLYJOV,
the head of the laboratory at the Natural Gas Research Institute of the Türkmengaz State Concern