The Government of Turkmenistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a five-year agreement to promote renewable energy development. The project consider the construction of up to 10 pilot solar mini-power plants with a total capacity of up to 2 MW in remote communities across the country. The agreement was signed on November 11, 2026, in Antalya, on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has allocated more than US$4.17 million to implement the initiative. The project will be carried out by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in cooperation with relevant ministries of Turkmenistan. In addition to installing solar facilities, the project consider the preparation of feasibility assessments and technical documentation for the potential deployment of similar systems in another 120 remote communities.

The initiative aims to expand the use of renewable energy sources, improve the reliability of electricity supply and promote clean energy development. The project also consider improvements to the regulatory framework, professional training and strengthening national capacity in line with Turkmenistan's strategies on renewable energy and climate change.