The 27th International Turkmenistan Oil and Gas Conference (OGT-2022), held in Ashgabat on October 26-28, 2022, has proven that Turkmenistan is an important global power in the international energy sector. More than 500 domestic and foreign delegates participated in OGT-2022. In addition, the conference had 100 online attendees. Among the foreign participants were delegations from the United States (US), Azerbaijan, Austria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), China, the United Kingdom (UK), Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, and Türkiye.[1]
The conference focused on improving Turkmen energy markets, particularly the development of offshore blocks in the Caspian Sea, attracting global investment, and increasing and optimizing production collaboration in current and future oil-natural gas resources.
According to international reports, Turkmenistan has come a long way toward becoming a leading energy power. In this setting, large-scale initiatives, both now underway and in the planning stages, are critical for both the region and the whole world. Two such projects are especially intriguing. The first of these is the Central Asia-China Transnational Gas Pipeline. The second is the natural gas pipelines leading to Iran and Russia. Despite a lack of sufficient natural gas pipelines, Turkmenistan is now able to export more than 110 billion cubic meters of gas. One of the most important projects under construction is the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Pipeline, which is supported by major world powers and important international financial institutions. The capacity of TAPI is 33 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline Project is another significant project that has come to the fore in this setting.
While all of this was discussed during the conference, it was also revealed that Turkmenistan has recently implemented key joint projects such as the commissioning of a modern gas-chemical complex for the manufacturing of polyethylene and polypropylene in the Balkan village of Kiyili. LG International Corp and Hyundai Engineering, TOYO Engineering Corporation, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., and Renaissance Heavy Industries are the institutions mentioned in these joint projects.[2]
The President of the Turkmengas Group stated that Turkmenistan has great hopes for supplying natural gas to Europe. Furthermore, the General Manager of Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation (GOGS) indicated that Georgia values Turkmen gas supplies.
In the conference titled “Turkmenistan Oil and Gas-2022”, hydrogen energy, gas, and petrochemical industry, the role of international financial institutions in promoting clean energy, project insurance, renewable energy expectations in Turkmenistan, and the reduction of methane gas and CO2 emissions were discussed. It was also emphasized at the conference that since 2009, the natural gas supply from Turkmenistan to China has exceeded 340 billion cubic meters. In addition, it was pointed out that the development of the Galkynysh Natural Gas Field would take 100 years, and that Turkmenistan needed to research renewable energy.
On the other hand, it was noted at the conference that Turkmenistan achieved major accomplishments in the oil and gas business this year, and three long-term partners of the nation, Dragon Oil, CNPC, and Petronas, received the Energy Excellence Award.
In conclusion, OGT-2022 allowed the interested parties to establish business contacts with Turkmen partners. One of the most significant outcomes of the conference, for example, is the signing of an agreement between Turkmennebit and Dragon Oil to conduct three-dimensional seismic surveys that will provide new geological information for the 19th block of the Turkmen shelf of the Caspian Sea. In addition, at the conference, 12 agreements and contracts totaling $100 million were signed. In this regard, Turkmenistan aspires to become a key energy hub in both the regional and international systems.
[1] “В выставке OGT-2022 участвуют свыше 40 экспонентов и 10 иностранных компаний”, Cental Asia, https://centralasia.news/17772-v-vystavke-ogt-2022-uchastvujut-svyshe-40-jeksponentov-i-svyshe-10-inostrannyh-kompanij.html, (Date of Accession: 03.11.2022).
[2] “Туркменистан подтвердил статус мировой энергетической державы”, Central Asia, https://centralasia .news/17841-turkmenistan-podtverdil-status-mirovoj-genergeticheskoj-derzhavy.html, (Date of Accession: 03.11.2022).
