Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec.23
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
The growth rate of electricity generation amounted to 18.8 billion kilowatt/hours in Jan.-Nov. 2013, or by 104.2 per cent more compared to the same period of 2012, the country's State Statistics Committee said on Dec.23.
The data made public today approved the preliminary forecasts of the sectorial ministry.
Electricity is one of the leading sectors of the national economy. Turkmenistan's power plants run on natural gas which is supplied from the closest fields. Fuel oil and diesel fuel from local refineries are used as backup fuel in the case of necessity.
Work is underway to expand the export of electricity to Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey. Opportunities for its transportation to Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and the Caucasus are being considered.
Turkmenistan follows the concept for development of the electricity industry until 2020. The concept envisages investment worth over $5 billion.
Turkmenistan plans to generate up to 27.4 billion kilowatt/hours electricity by 2020 and to bring its volume to 35.5 billion kilowatt/hours by 2030.
Currently, around 10 power plants and 32 turbines, including 14 steam turbines, 15 gas turbines and three water turbines operate within the power supply system of Turkmenistan. Until now, special attention was paid to heat and condensing high-power operating energy sources, that's to say power units for various purposes.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by S.M.