Astana, Kazakhstan – Energy Week Central Asia and Caspian 2024 took place on 5-6 September 2024 in Astana, focusing on the region’s green transition, reports Astana Times. The event featured in-depth discussions on policy and regulatory frameworks, financing renewable energy, and technology-specific projects, including solar photovoltaics, storage, wind energy, green hydrogen, and hydropower. The participants underscored the region’s substantial untapped renewable energy potential and favourable conditions.

The event was attended by representatives of the governments, international and regional organisations, diplomats, and business.

Addressing the participants, Aleska Simkic, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Kazakhstan, spoke of the crucial connection between energy and climate change and the EU’s dedication to advancing clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable solutions for communities, businesses, and industries throughout Europe, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia (CA). She pointed out the severe impacts of climate change experienced in Europe and CA, such as intense fires, floods, and environmental degradation: “We have witnessed the increasing frequency and impact of extreme weather events, and this region is no exception. The urgency of the energy transition is clear”.

In 2023, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) took effect in the EU with a two-year transition period. This mechanism is designed to ensure a fair distribution of the costs associated with the global green transition.

The Ambassador said in this regard: “We hope this transition period will allow for preparation and effective application of the new conditions. As Central Asian countries adopt new economic policies, we encourage them to anticipate the requirements needed to remain competitive in the EU market and to be also interoperable with the rules of the EU market. Compatibility with the CBAM, alignment with other green deal policies, and emission trading systems will be essential. Embracing green hydrogen and following EU green trends can enhance the competitiveness of Central Asian products in the EU market. Conversely, failure to adapt may impact their competitiveness”.

The EU-funded SECCA project was represented by Zhaxylyk Tokayev, the project’s National Coordinator in Kazakhstan, at the event. He presented on the development of renewable energy in the EU, as well as SECCA’s work in the CA region on improvement of energy efficiency and development of small renewable energy projects.