Environmentally friendly and renewable green energy is one of the most promising areas for the entire world, including Turkmenistan, and science plays a vital role in its development and improvement. Currently, various scientific fields are developing technologies that make it possible to produce, store and transmit renewable natural resources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and biofuel energy, to improve energy production efficiency and availability and to continually modernize the design of important facilities such as wind turbines and solar panels.

As is well known, the research institutes of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, in addition to work aimed at introducing innovations, conserving energy and developing the fuel and energy complex, are conducting research into electricity generation using alternative energy sources.

The Strategy of the Development of Science in Turkmenistan for 2024–2052 prioritizes the development of the energy sector based on science in several areas. Future plans include the development of renewable energy technologies, the use of wind power equipment, solar photovoltaic power plants, solar thermal power plants, bioenergy, second- and third-generation biofuels and hybrid systems using renewable energy sources.

The Strategy stipulates the development of smart power grids and the modernization of the power grid based on information technologies for collecting data on energy production and consumption. Energy storage technologies, using hydrogen energy and fuel cells, new materials for the production of electric batteries and new electrical and conductive insulating materials that allow transmitting electricity over long distances with minimal losses, will be utilized. The use of renewable energy technologies (including bioenergy, wind power and solar power) will be expanded. Furthermore, plans call for the introduction of smart energy technologies, including the development of active-adaptive smart grids and the use of advanced equipment and technologies to improve the efficiency of producing high-quality electricity, heat and cold throughout the year.

In these areas, research and development work conducted at the Renewable Energy Research and Production Center of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan, the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan, the Institute of Chemistry and the Oguzhan Engineering and Technology University are crucial. These centers develop competitive, material- and energy-saving, environmentally friendly high technologies and innovations based on innovative scientific research into nano- and chemical technologies, new materials and energy, which are priority areas of science. The International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan conducts scientific and technical research in the field of green energy using alternative energy sources. Promising initiatives are being put forward to implement scientific and technical advances in renewable energy development into production.

Currently, the country is actively implementing the National Strategy of the Development of Renewable Energy in Turkmenistan until 2030. To develop green energy, the country is radically modernizing and strengthening its energy sector infrastructure. One example is the construction of a 10-megawatt multifunctional solar-wind power plant in the Serdar etrap of the Balkan velayat. This first solar-wind power plant in Turkmenistan will provide electricity to consumers in communities located around Lake Altyn Asyr.

Article 26 of the Law of Turkmenistan “On Renewable Energy Sources”, adopted on March 13, 2021, is entitled “Scientific, Scientific-Technical and Innovative Support for Activities Related to Renewable Energy Sources”. It stipulates that scientific support for activities related to renewable energy sources is provided by scientific institutions, conducting research in this field, and by higher vocational educational institutions. Scientific-technical and innovative support for activities, related to the production and assembly of installations and the development of renewable energy, is provided in accordance with industry-specific, state, interstate and regional, innovation and other programs.

Disseminating information on advances in renewable energy technology, engaging the public in the use of renewable energy sources and leveraging scientific and technical capabilities in this area are the fundamental principles of state policy. Our country places special emphasis on organizing training courses in renewable energy development and supporting scientific and technological development, ensuring international scientific and technical cooperation and participating in international renewable energy development projects. Turkmenistan also actively participates in scientific and practical forums and exhibitions of innovative technologies and equipment in the field of renewable energy.

As reported at the regular sitting of the Cabinet of Ministers held on March 14, in the International Year of Peace and Trust, Turkmenistan is taking measures to develop international cooperation in the field of renewable energy. Our country pays special attention to issues such as strengthening energy security, transitioning to a green economy in light of climate change and efficiently using energy resources. Turkmenistan is successfully implementing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and its obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In this regard, at the instruction of the head of state, a draft Program of Strengthening International Cooperation in Renewable Energy in Turkmenistan for 2025–2030 and a set of measures for its implementation were developed. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved these documents, which were developed jointly with the relevant ministries and departmental governing bodies of the country and interested international partners.

In particular, close cooperation has been established with specialists from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UN Environment Program, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the UN Development Program, the Global Environment Facility, the Regional Center for Environmental Problems in Central Asia and the Asian Development Bank. The program envisages establishing and developing cooperation with reputable international organizations, financial institutions, research centers and leading countries and companies in this field.

Selbi YUVSHANOVA,
a student at the International University for the Humanities and Development