Turkmenistan and UNDP launch solar project for remote settlements

The Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) signed a five-year project to expand solar energy and improve electricity access in remote areas.

The agreement took place in Antalya, Türkiye, during the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The project uses a grant of over $4.17 million from the Global Environment Facility to create technical and regulatory conditions for renewable energy.

Workers will install up to 10 pilot solar mini-grids with a combined capacity of up to 2 megawatts to replace diesel generators in isolated locations. The initiative also includes feasibility assessments for another 120 remote settlements. Narine Sahakyan, the UNDP Resident Representative in Turkmenistan, stated the project aims to improve energy security and help vulnerable groups like women. The plan supports national strategies for renewable energy and climate goals under the Paris Agreement.