On 10 April, the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan hosted an awards ceremony for the winners of the ‘Start-ups in the Field of Renewable Energy’ competition. This was reported by IIC.

The competition was organised by the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan and the project EU for a Green Turkmenistan: ‘Policy Dialogue and Climate Action 2024-2029’. The initiative is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Fifty-three projects have reached the final. They were selected from school students, students and young professionals aged between 18 and 30 from across the country. The competition is timed to coincide with the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and aims to support youth initiatives in the field of the ‘green’ transition.

Participants presented projects in three areas: solar and wind energy, biomass and bioenergy, as well as energy efficiency and digital solutions.

Abdyrahman Myratdurdyev, a representative of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, noted that the development of renewable energy sources and the introduction of new technologies are among the priorities of the country’s energy strategy. According to him, the competition helps to find practical solutions in the field of energy efficiency and prepares future specialists for the industry.

The jury selected nine winners – three in each category. The first-place winners received a study trip to Germany to learn about experiences in the field of renewable energy. The other finalists were awarded certificates of honour and commemorative gifts.

Representatives from the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan attended the ceremony. The organisers note that the competition contributes to the development of the ‘green’ economy and the implementation of national climate strategies.