On April 23, 2025, Business Turkmenistan reported that Turkmenistan is inviting foreign investment in the development of the Galkynysh gas field. The article cited the chairman of Turkmengaz State Concern Maksat Babayev saying that “Natural gas has been, is, and will remain the foundation of a sustainable, prosperous, and dynamic energy future”.
But is this really the case? The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no.
On one hand, natural gas is a cleaner-burning fuel than coal or oil, producing fewer carbon emissions per unit of energy. This makes it a slightly better option in the short term. The European Union has even labeled natural gas a “transitional” activity, acknowledging that it is a necessary evil until we can fully transition to renewable energy sources.
However, the notion that natural gas is a sustainable solution for the long haul is misguided. For one, its extraction and transportation process often leaks methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Turkmenistan remains one of the top countries in methane emissions, with 36% fugitive emissions in its energy sector, and with the highest number of super-emitting events from gas extraction sites. Moreover, our reliance on natural gas in Turkmenistan distracts us from the urgent need to develop and invest in sustainable energy sources like solar PV and wind power.
In the case of Turkmenistan, the country is blessed with an abundance of sunshine, making solar energy a highly viable option. In fact, transitioning to renewable energy could save the country money in the long run. So, why are its leaders so keen on proclaiming natural gas as the “foundation of a sustainable… energy future”? The answer likely lies in the economic benefits it brings in the short term, sustaining jobs and propping up the command economy. To attract investments in renewable energy, Turkmenistan needs a stable and transparent regulatory framework, along with incentives for clear power supply and an end to fossil fuel subsidies that currently distort the market.
But at what cost? The world must transition away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible, and Turkmenistan is no exception. By prioritizing natural gas over renewable energy, the country is compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is time for Turkmenistan to rethink its energy strategy and invest in a truly sustainable future. Natural gas may be a temporary solution today, but it is definitely not a foundation for a sustainable energy future.
RASUL SATYMOV,
a researcher with Progres Foundation
with a focus on climate change,
energy and water issues in Turkmenistan
