Integrated Renewable Energy Solutions to Support Green Transformation in Turkmenistan

Proposed

Turkmenistan is a landlocked developing member country (DMC) with abundant gas and oil deposits. Most of the country is desert, with the population concentrated in a few urban areas. Despite the country's reliance upon hydrocarbons, the government recognizes the importance of climate action and is exploring renewable energy sources, including solar. This shift could open up new export markets for the country, such as through Green Energy corridors to transport renewable energy from Central Asia to Europe ,which would support regional and cross border cooperation. The Arkadag Smart City Project is an innovative initiative by the Government of Turkmenistan to advance sustainable development through an environmentally friendly, digitally advanced, resource-conscious, and socially inclusive urban ecosystem. The key objectives of the city are: (1) Environmental Sustainability, (2) Inclusive Growth, (3) Technological Advancement, (4) Economic Diversification, (5) Community Participation, (6) Resilience and Disaster Management, and (7) Data Privacy and Security.The proposed TA will promote the use of advanced technologies and support pioneering integrated renewable energy solutions for Turkmenistan. Specifically, the TA will support the development of a roadmap for the generation and use of solar energy in the country, including for urban purposes, such as in Arkadag City. The TA will support assessments and feasibility studies that could support development of a project/s focused on integrated renewable energy solutions, including solar and distributed solar PV across Turkmenistan. The TA will also support a demonstrational pilot project for the first-of-its kind in Turkmenistan urban solar power generation and use in Arkadag City. The TA will further support strengthening the local capacity of government officials, private sector, and communities on renewable energy and solar power. The proposed TA will complement ADB's existing grid strengthening investments in Turkmenistan's energy sector while setting the foundations for future engagement in renewable energy generation, including in urban settings. The majority of the technology promoted under the TA would be new for the country.