Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – On 22, 23, and 28 April 2026, the European Union-funded SECCA project and UNDP/GEF Project in Turkmenistan “Developing National Capacity of Turkmenistan through Improving Regulatory Environment towards Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building Sector (TEESB)” organised a series of training workshops in the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction aimed at sharing international experience in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green construction.

These events took place as part of SECCA’s final mission and closing activities in Turkmenistan. Over 80 participants representing the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, State Electric Power Corporation “Turkmenenergo”, as well as faculty members and students of the country’s higher educational institutions attended the workshops.

Four workshops were held under the following topics:

1. “Studying international practice in developing regulatory and legal documentation for the introduction of innovative energy efficiency technologies in the construction sector”
2. “Studying international practice in the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in the construction sector”
3. “Studying the applicability of energy efficiency technologies in residential and public buildings in the climatic conditions of Turkmenistan”
4. “Opportunities for the development of renewable energy in Turkmenistan. Solar energy potential. Opportunities and challenges”.

At the workshops, participants explored, in particular, the experience of various countries, including the EU, in integrating innovative energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies into residential and public buildings, as well as Turkmenistan’s potential for developing renewable energy. SECCA’s Key Experts also presented on the deployment of small-scale solar technologies in the residential sector across Central Asia, provided an overview of energy-efficient building certification systems, and shared information on opportunities for scientific collaboration under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.

In addition, a practical intensive titled “Green Cities and Young Minds” was organised, bringing together young professionals from the NGO “Young Naturalists” and students from eight universities: Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction; Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University; International University for Humanities and Development; Myrat Garryyev State Medical University of Turkmenistan; Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan; Magtymguly Turkmen State University; Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages; and Oguzhan Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan. This intensive featured interactive sessions with short expert talks on global trends in sustainable urban development, simulation games on managing urban resources (water, energy, and waste), and a practical segment, in which participants were tasked with developing a “Green District” concept incorporating renewable energy, zero-waste systems, and inclusive spaces. The programme concluded with an awards ceremony for the winners of the “My Sustainable Eco-City” competition.

Overall, these joint activities by the SECCA and TEESB projects helped expand participants’ theoretical knowledge and strengthen their practical skills, and contribute to the further advancement of sustainable energy in Turkmenistan.