OREANDA-NEWS. August 10, 2009. The volume of energy production and export is steadily increased in Turkmenistan. In the first half of 2009 the power stations produced over 7.95 billion kWt/h of electric power. According to the Turkmenenergo State Corporation energy production in the country is increased by 4.3 percent in January-June as compared to the same period of 2008. Over the period energy export made up 1.546 billion kWt/h, or increased by 16% as compared to the same period of 2008, reported the Official website turkmenistan.gov.tm.

Today Turkmenistan exports energy to Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and Tajikistan. This year it is planned to export 2.6 billion kWt/h of electric power.

The energy strategy initiated by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to expand energy exports to world markets can be applied to the national power industry. The Turkmen leader set the task to steadily increase power production and export to the neighbouring countries to power industry workers. For this purpose a number of the projects on construction of power stations and transmission lines are being implemented under the state support in the country.

Further expansion of power exports are to be guaranteed by the new gas-turbine plants, which are under construction in Ahal, Avaza national tourism zone and Balkanabat. The power stations in Ahal and Avaza are being constructed by Turkish Lotos and a power station in Balkanabat is being constructed by Turkish Chalik Energy. All equipment to be installed at the power stations is produced y the well-known American company General Electric. The capacity of each station is 254.2 MWt. After the power stations are put into operation the increase in power production will make up 762.6 MWt.

The new power generating units will allow meeting the increasing domestic needs and increasing electric power exports to the neighbouring countries along the existing and future routes. In accordance with the national development strategy till 2020 electric power production is to increase to 26.38 billion kWt/h and electric power export – up to 6 billion kWt/h.