MARY, Turkmenistan, April 20. Turkmenistan is
exploring the possibility of exporting natural gas to Europe
through Azerbaijan as part of potential future energy projects,
according to Batyr Muradov, editor-in-chief of the Türkmen Dünýäsi
newspaper, who spoke in response to a question from Trend.


According to Muradov, the fourth phase of development of the
Galkynysh gas field project is considered promising and could
extend to several countries in the region, including Azerbaijan,
depending on the future development of Turkmenistan’s gas
sector.


He added that potential export volumes under such projects could
reach around 10 billion cubic meters of gas, noting that final
parameters will depend on the implementation of relevant
infrastructure initiatives.


The Galkynysh gas field, located in eastern Turkmenistan, is one
of the largest in the world. Its reserves are estimated to range
between 4 and 14 trillion cubic meters of gas. The field was
discovered in 2006, and commercial production began in 2013 under
the management of Turkmengaz State Concern.







China National Petroleum Corporation gained access to the
development of the field in 2009 after securing relevant contracts,
becoming one of the key foreign partners in the project. The
company has participated in the construction of gas processing
facilities and infrastructure and was selected for the
implementation of this phase in 2025-2026, further strengthening
its position in Turkmenistan’s gas sector.


On March 2026, a contract has been signed between Turkmengaz
State Concern and the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)
for the turnkey design and construction of the facilities for
development of fourth phase of the field. The project is expected
to enable annual production of up to 10 billion cubic meters of
gas, contributing to the expansion of Turkmenistan’s export
capacity.


Earlier, Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov during
his address at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum underlined that one of
the key priorities of Turkmenistan’s energy agenda is the supply of
natural gas to Europe. “15 to 20 years ago, we had a very good
working relationship with our European colleagues, and we did a
great deal to put into practice a number of ideas for transporting
Turkmen natural gas across the Caspian Sea to Europe,” he said.