ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 23. The EU is
interested in further reducing methane emissions in Turkmenistan
and considers it appropriate for the state-owned companies
“Turkmengaz” and “Turkmennebit” to join the OGMP 2.0 international
methane emissions reporting system, the Deputy Head of the
Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, Maciej Madalinski
said, Trend's special
correspondent reports.


Madalinski made the anouncement on the third day of the OGT 2026
conference in Ashgabat on October 23.


“We believe it would be beneficial for both ‘Turkmengaz’ and
‘Turkmennebit’ to join OGMP 2.0, the Partnership for Reducing
Methane Emissions in the Oil and Gas Sector. We also continue to
advocate for Turkmenistan’s participation in the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) methane initiative,” he noted.


According to Madalinski, the EU views reducing methane emissions
in Turkmenistan as an important area of cooperation, despite the
lack of a direct gas pipeline between the two sides. He emphasized
that the situation may change in the future, and Turkmenistan’s
participation in international supply chains already makes this
issue relevant.


"At the political level, I would like to emphasize that the EU
is very interested in reducing methane emissions in Turkmenistan
and is actively involved in related efforts. We recently held a
meeting with the government. We always emphasize that we highly
appreciate the fact that Turkmenistan became the first country in
Central Asia to join the Global Methane Pledge at COP28,” the EU
representative stated.


He also noted the EU's practical contribution to the
implementation of projects aimed at reducing methane emissions in
the country. In particular, as part of the “EU for a Green
Turkmenistan” program, the republic received its first equipment
for detecting and eliminating methane leaks, which is already
beginning to be used at various facilities.


“We are very proud of our contribution to the ‘EU for a Green
Turkmenistan’ program, especially its component providing practical
support for efforts to reduce methane emissions. A few days ago, a
ceremony was held to hand over the first equipment for detecting
and repairing methane leaks (LDAR). It will be put to practical
use, and it is already being deployed directly at facilities. This
is truly a remarkable and long-awaited event,” Maciej Madalinski
said.


According to him, further development of cooperation involves
not only European institutions but also companies that possess
technologies for detecting leaks, improving energy efficiency, and
implementing renewable energy sources. Such projects will help
reduce gas losses while simultaneously increasing the economic
return on the use of energy resources.


“Thanks to more effective leak detection, methane that would
otherwise be lost can be put to economic use. European companies
have expertise in these areas and, by collaborating with Turkmen
companies and the government of Turkmenistan, can make an
additional contribution to improving the situation,” he noted.







At the same time, Madalinski emphasized that greater
transparency in the investment environment would help boost
European business activity in projects in Turkmenistan. According
to him, the EU raises this issue both in meetings with business
representatives and during discussions on environmental
cooperation.


Regarding the regulation of methane emissions in the EU, the
Delegation representative noted that the European Union will
continue its work to meet the relevant requirements, although the
deadlines for fulfilling certain obligations may be adjusted.


On October 22, the EU Parliament backed a proposal to postpone
the deadlines for complying with a number of requirements regarding
the monitoring and reporting of methane emissions. The proposal
still needs to be agreed upon with the Council of the EU during
further negotiations.


“As far as I know, we’re talking about a possible postponement
of up to one year. This means that the EU will continue its work,
although certain changes will occur. There is no doubt about that,”
said Maciej Madalinsk, commenting on the proposals under discussion
regarding the implementation deadlines for the relevant
regulations.


He added that the EU Delegation and the embassies of member
states are ready to facilitate the development of business contacts
and to forward requests for economic cooperation in the field of
methane emission reduction to European companies.


Meanwhile, the final day of the 31st International Conference
and Exhibition “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan” (OGT 2026) is underway
in Ashgabat.


On the third day, participants are discussing ways to reduce
methane emissions, improve environmental and energy efficiency, and
the role of natural gas in ensuring a balanced and sustainable
energy future.


Participants are exploring opportunities for international
exchange of expertise and technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse
gas emissions and improving the environmental performance of the
oil and gas industry. In addition, the role of natural gas in
shaping a balanced energy system is being discussed.