BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 23. Active
participation from Turkmenistan in the APRECA Investment Forum in
Baku will enrich dialogue on regional energy transition priorities
and help shape investment pipelines, Gurbuz Gonul, Director of
Country Engagement and Partnerships at the International Renewable
Energy Agency (IRENA), told Trend.


"Specifically, the APRECA Investment Forum will be held in June
2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of Baku Energy Week. The Forum
will convene governments, investors, and project developers to
advance concrete renewable energy and grid modernisation projects
across Central Asia," he said.


He provided insights on the recent assembly involving delegates
from IRENA and Turkmenistan.


"During the recent meeting between Turkmenistan’s new
Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Bayram Bayramov, and IRENA’s Director-General,
Francesco La Camera, discussions focused on strengthening
Turkmenistan’s engagement with IRENA and identifying concrete
avenues for future collaboration," Gonul further noted.


He noted that both sides reaffirmed the importance of deepening
cooperation under IRENA’s regional initiatives, particularly the
Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia
(APRECA), and expressed IRENA’s expectation to welcome Turkmenistan
to APRECA very soon.


According to Gonul, Turkmenistan’s energy system currently
relies heavily on traditional sources, but the country possesses
significant renewable energy potential.







"Turkmenistan benefits from nearly 300 sunny days a year, with
some of the highest solar irradiation levels in Central Asia. Its
wind potential is also considerable, with assessments indicating
that around 40% of the country’s territory is suitable for wind
power development," he delineated.


Gonul added that these natural advantages position Turkmenistan
to play a more active role in the region’s long-term energy
transition, helping to meet future demand and diversify the Central
Asian energy mix.


He also highlighted ongoing and planned initiatives within
IRENA’s regional programs. IRENA engages Turkmenistan through
APRECA, which aims to strengthen enabling frameworks, investment
readiness, and cross-border cooperation. Gonul explained that
active participation from Turkmenistan could meaningfully
contribute to diversified regional power systems and enhanced
energy security.


The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an
intergovernmental organization established in 2009 to promote
cooperation and the adoption of renewable energy worldwide. It
provides data, policy advice, and technical support and facilitates
partnerships to help countries transition to sustainable energy
systems. IRENA has 169 member states and is headquartered in Masdar
City, United Arab Emirates.


Turkmenistan has been a full member of IRENA since 2018 and has
participated in its governing bodies and regional initiatives. The
country’s officials have met IRENA leadership multiple times to
discuss renewable energy goals, joint projects, and Turkmenistan’s
involvement in the region‑wide Accelerated Partnership for
Renewable Energy in Central Asia (APRECA). Turkmen diplomats also
presented credentials as the permanent representative to IRENA in
early 2026, with both sides reaffirming commitments to deepen
cooperation on clean energy technologies, green hydrogen, and
integration into broader regional renewable energy efforts.