Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Igor Makarov Reflects on Turkmenistan’s Endeavors to Confront Methane Emissions
Methane, better known as its greenhouse gas counterpart, emerges as an ongoing climate crisis. While carbon dioxide remains the primary driver of global warming, methane’s role should not be underestimated. It is, in fact, more effective at trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, making it a significant contributor to the planet’s rising temperatures.
Methane emissions stem from diverse sources, with human activities playing a pivotal role. Notably, the energy sector, marked by the production, distribution, and utilization of fossil fuels, such as natural gas, releases substantial methane emissions. These emanate from leaks during natural gas extraction, transportation, storage, and the practice of flaring excess gas during oil extraction.
Agriculture, too, significantly contributes, with methane arising from enteric fermentation in livestock, manure management, and rice cultivation in flooded fields. Additionally, waste management, where landfills and wastewater treatment plants emit methane as organic waste decomposes, requires improved practices for emission reduction.
While natural wetlands are a natural source of methane emissions due to microbial activity, industrial processes, such as chemical production, can release methane as a by-product, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of this greenhouse gas challenge.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to tackle methane emissions as part of global efforts to combat climate change. As such, one country is increasingly focusing on strategies and technologies to curb this potent greenhouse gas–Turkmenistan.
As a prominent figure in the gas industry, businessman, philanthropist, and Turkmenistan-born Igor Makarov has closely observed and appreciated the efforts made by his home country in addressing methane emissions and to shed light on the country’s current efforts in battling one of the most pressing issues they face.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Turkmenistan is a state in Central Asia with the world’s fourth-largest natural gas reserves. It has recently faced mounting international pressure to clean up its pollution and reduce methane leaks, as it is reported to have the highest methane leakage rate from fossil fuels worldwide.
According to a report by The Guardian, the western fossil fuel field around the Caspian coast in Turkmenistan leaked 2.6 million tonnes of methane in 2022, with satellite data revealing a whopping “840 super-emitting events, such as leaks from single wells, tanks or pipes at a rate of a few tonnes an hour or more, the most from any nation.”
The country’s aging gas-producing infrastructure and an opaque state-run energy sector have contributed to higher methane emissions per unit of oil and gas production than other major suppliers. However, Makarov claims that Turkmenistan has not shied away from this challenge, taking proactive steps to address the issue head-on.
With his extensive experience and understanding of the industry, drawing from his tenure as the head of the main gas exporter of Turkmeni gas in the 1990s to early 2000s, ITERA Group of Companies, Makarov recognizes the significance of tackling this ecological problem and commends Turkmenistan for its progressive strides in emissions changes.
Navigating the Methane Challenge
According to Turkmenistan’s strategy prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Protection of Turkmenistan titled “National Strategy of Turkmenistan on Climate Change,” published on May 3, 2021, the country is committed to reducing and stabilizing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions until 2030 by initiating efforts that will address the impacts of climate change prompted by a massive leak of methane emissions.
- A Modern Technological Leap
Turkmenistan’s President, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, has highlighted the country’s dedication to environmental partnerships, mainly focusing on reducing methane emissions. At the United Nations climate summit, COP26, held in Glasgow in 2021, Serdar Berdimuhamedov announced Turkmenistan’s commitment to achieving this goal by “introducing modern technologies in all spheres of the state’s economy.”
According to Makarov, Turkmenistan is gearing towards using satellite observations to monitor methane emissions, with these observations providing valuable data that enables policymakers and experts to accurately assess the problem’s scale and devise targeted mitigation strategies.
He also commends Turkmenistan for leveraging technological advancements to gain insights into methane emissions, recognizing it as a “foundation for evidence-based decision-making.”
- Building Global Partnerships
Makarov also acknowledges the growing international support and assistance Turkmenistan has received in its quest to reduce methane leaks. President Berdimuhamedov also approved the methane roadmap for 2023-2024 during a cabinet meeting in June 2023 that outlines crucial steps, including improvements in national legislation and cooperation with foreign partners to initiate pilot projects. Makarov appreciates the collaboration with the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO), indicating the country’s intention to engage globally.
Moreover, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has also reinforced its partnership with Turkmenistan, pointing to climate change as a top priority. The ADB stands ready to assist the Turkmen government in addressing methane emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy generation, and developing a comprehensive long-term climate change strategy. According to Makarov, this partnership underscores the importance of international financial institutions in supporting countries like Turkmenistan to combat methane emissions and advance sustainable development.
“I appreciate Turkmenistan’s willingness to engage with the international community and seek assistance tackling methane emissions,” he shares. “It demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, mitigating climate change and safeguarding its natural resources.”
- Strengthening National Legislation
Makarov also acknowledges Turkmenistan’s efforts in aligning and strengthening its national legislation with international best practices. Scientists conducting recent research on super-emitters emphasized that some frequent emitters were already in “conflict with Turkmen law.”
Addressing these legal gaps and strengthening regulations are crucial to ensuring methane reduction efforts are achievable, technologically advanced, and grounded in robust legal frameworks.
Finding The Right Balance
Makarov stresses the importance of balancing environmental concerns with economic considerations. He understands that Turkmenistan’s natural gas reserves are vital to the country’s economy and the region’s energy security. Therefore, he advocates for a pragmatic approach that encourages responsible gas production while reducing methane emissions.
The philanthropist also believes that leveraging Turkmenistan’s expertise and collaborating with international partners makes it possible to strike a balance that fosters sustainable development without worsening its environmental impact.
Turkmenistan’s addressing methane emissions reduction through internal and external strategies is commendable. Though there’s still a long way to go, these ongoing actions will become the country’s foundation and stepping stones towards achieving a more sustainable oil and gas industry.
“As a native of Turkmenistan and someone deeply familiar with the gas industry in this region, I am optimistic about the country’s potential to become a leading example in environmental conservation,” Makarov adds. “By continuing to collaborate with international partners and leveraging their expertise, Turkmenistan can build a sustainable and resilient energy sector, ensuring a cleaner and healthier planet for future generations.”
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