An important meeting between GECF Secretary General Mohamed Hamel and Turkmenistan’s State Minister and Chairman of the “Turkmengaz” State Concern, Maksat Babayev, took place at the headquarters of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Doha, according to Orient.tm. The meeting underscored the deepening strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and the GECF amid ongoing global energy transformation.
Turkmenistan: A Key Global Gas Player
Secretary General Hamel expressed gratitude for Turkmenistan’s continued active engagement in the GECF and recognized the country’s foundational role in establishing the Forum. Recalling his recent visits to Ashgabat and participation in the Turkmenistan Investment Forum (TEIF) in Kuala Lumpur, he highlighted the country’s strategic importance as the holder of the world’s fourth-largest proven natural gas reserves.
Hamel emphasized the potential of major projects such as the Galkynysh gas field and the TAPI pipeline (Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India), which he noted could nearly double Turkmenistan’s current gas output to 150 billion cubic meters annually by mid-century.
Digital Transformation in the Gas Sector
In response, Maksat Babayev outlined Turkmenistan’s plans for advancing its gas industry. He noted that modernization efforts are being driven by the integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI).
Turkmenistan is already working with international partners to apply AI and machine learning in:
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Subsurface reservoir modeling;
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Greenhouse gas emissions monitoring;
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Smart diagnostics of gas wells.
“Artificial intelligence opens new horizons for optimizing production, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational safety,” Babayev said.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
Babayev also emphasized that Turkmenistan is developing national programs focused on digital transformation and the adoption of green technologies across the energy sector. This approach aligns with the global shift toward sustainable and climate-neutral energy systems.
Strengthening Dialogue and International Cooperation
Both sides confirmed their mutual interest in expanding cooperation. Hamel expressed hope for deeper institutional engagement between the GECF and Ashgabat. At the close of the meeting, Babayev extended an official invitation to the upcoming international conference “Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan – 2025” (OGT-2025), to be held in Ashgabat this October.
The meeting in Doha reaffirmed Turkmenistan’s growing role not only as a major gas producer but also as a forward-looking advocate for technological innovation and environmental sustainability in the global energy landscape.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 20, 2025