Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, March 17 / Trend H. Hasanov /
An important aspect of Turkmenistan's energy policy is the diversification of natural gas supply routes to Eurasia's biggest markets with steady growth in demand for
energy resources, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at the
governmental meeting.
"At present, Turkmenistan consistently implements its energy strategy," the president's statement said. The increase in production volumes, processing and export of natural gas, diversification of supply routes to Eurasia's biggest markets with steady growth in demand for energy resources are important aspects."
The President said that official Ashgabat builds broad international energy cooperation on the principles of equality and mutual benefit.
"This will accelerate the integration of Turkmenistan's oil and gas industry in the international energy system, help to effectively resolve the issues in the field of general
energy security," the president said.
President Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan, having rich natural resources, considers them as an important factor of the dynamic development of the national economy, welfare and prosperity of the Turkmen people. The strategy of accelerated development of the Turkmen fuel and energy complex is based on huge explored and promising hydrocarbon reserves in the country.
A report on the status of the fuel and energy complex and the results of the international conference "Turkmenistan-Europe: prospects for cooperation" held in Berlin on March 14-15 was heard at the meeting.
The information says that this Forum was attended by representatives of biggest international oil and gas companies. It demonstrated great interest of the global oil and gas business in establishment of long-term partnership with Turkmenistan having
the largest hydrocarbon reserves in the world.
According to British Petroleum's report (BP), Turkmenistan ranks fourth on the natural gas reserves in the world after Russia, Iran and Qatar. The country has the opportunity to export natural gas to China, Iran and Russia now.
The additional gas pipeline to Russia (Caspian gas pipeline - through Kazakhstan), to Europe (Trans-Caspian gas pipeline - as a part of Nabucco or AGRI through the Caspian Sea via Azerbaijan) and India (Trans-Afghan gas pipeline via Pakistan) are among the planned gas pipelines from Turkmenistan.
According to the Turkmen Oil and Gas Industry Development Programme, it is planned to increase annual natural gas production to 230 billion cubic meters in 2030, mainly for exports.