BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 30. Turkmenistan has
outlined its measures to reduce methane emissions and expand the
use of renewable energy sources as part of its climate policy.


This was reflected in a press release published by the press
service of Turkmenistan. The measures were presented by Makhtumkuli
Akmyradov, an adviser on environmental and water issues at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, during a regional
conference titled “From Methane Data to Action: Strengthening
Methane Emissions Management, Mobilizing Capital and Advancing
Regional Cooperation in Central Asia,” held in Ashgabat today.


The regional conference was organized by the Regional
Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC), with the support of
Turkmenistan's Ministry of Environmental Protection, Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the Global Methane Hub (GMH). It was held as
part of the Capacity Building for Methane Emissions Reduction in
Central Asia (CA CBMER) project, which focuses primarily on the oil
and gas sector.


“An increase in methane concentration is a significant factor in
climate change, while reducing its emissions is an effective way to
slow the pace of global warming over the next 10 years,” Akmyradov
said.


He noted that Turkmenistan, despite its extensive energy
resources, is focusing on introducing advanced environmentally
friendly and resource-efficient technologies in the oil and gas,
energy and transport sectors.


The diplomat also highlighted the role of legislative
initiatives and the country's National Climate Change Strategy in
guiding industrial decarbonization, adaptation of economic
activities and the rational use of water resources.


Akmyradov recalled that Turkmenistan is a participant in the
Paris Agreement and joined the Global Methane Pledge in 2023,
reaffirming its commitment to international climate efforts.







Particular attention was given to the development of renewable
energy in accordance with the country's relevant national
legislation.


“The country is actively developing its solar and wind energy
potential. A clear example of this process is the nearing
completion of construction of a hybrid solar and wind power plant
in Balkan Region, as well as the introduction of autonomous systems
in remote areas of the country,” the adviser said.


He also reaffirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to strengthen
cooperation with UN agencies, international financial and
environmental funds, and the scientific community in pursuit of
shared climate goals.


Earlier, in an exclusive interview with Trend the UN Environment
Programme (UNEP) said that eight methane emission sources in
Turkmenistan had been successfully mitigated and remained under
monitoring. The sources were linked to leaks in pipelines, gas
wells and flaring equipment.


“UNEP estimates that the eight sources in Turkmenistan had
emitted over 27,000 tonnes of methane before they were addressed.
The near-term climate impact of these emissions was equivalent to
the climate impact of over 500,000 passenger vehicles driven for
one year,” the organization said.


UNEP noted that its International Methane Emissions Observatory
(IMEO) has been working directly with stakeholders in Turkmenistan
since 2023, sharing alerts through its satellite-based Methane
Alert and Response System (MARS). The organization also highlighted
cooperation with GIZ, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank
to strengthen national capacity for methane emissions
management.