On 24 March 2025, the first Round Table to develop a Public Outreach Strategy on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency was held at the Turkmen State Energy Institute in Mary.

The Round Table was attended by representatives of national ministries of Turkmenistan, the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union projects "Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)" and "Renewable Energy in Central Asia" (RECA), young SDG ambassadors, students, and representatives of non-government organisations. The event was organised with the support of the project European Union (EU) for a green Turkmenistan: "Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024–2028", funded by the European Union and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) – the German international cooperation.

Key goals

• Discussion of the concept of the Public Outreach Strategy on Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency and its importance
• Determination of the structure and format of the document, taking into account the views of all participants
• Strengthening the role of youth and women in promoting green initiatives

Turkmenistan, with a significant potential for solar energy (more than 300 sunny days annually), actively introduces renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meets the goals of the Paris Agreement. The National Strategy for the Development of Renewable Energy until 2030 and the "Youth Roadmap for Climate Change Action 2025" form the basis for the development of these efforts. These documents lay out a plan for the future of Turkmenistan's energy sector and its commitment to sustainable development.

In a parallel event on the same day, the "EU for a green Turkmenistan: Policy Dialogue and Climate Action for 2024-2028" project facilitated the transfer of modern IT equipment to the Research and Production Center “Renewable Energy Sources“ of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan. This initiative aims to strengthen research capacity within Turkmenistan's energy sector and advance sustainable green energy solutions.

"Raising public awareness is key to a successful energy transition. This Strategy will be a bridge between Turkmenistan's ambitions in the field of renewable energy and the daily actions of citizens," said Dr. Caroline Milow, Project Manager "TheEU for a green Turkmenistan: „Policy Dialogue and Climate Action for 2024-2028" implemented by GIZ.

In general, this event aims to raise awareness on renewable energy and its benefits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and thus protecting the climate among the population of Turkmenistan.