Online – On 11 September 2025, the members of the Inter-Institutional Working Group (IIWG) of Kyrgyzstan and the SECCA project experts gathered for the first online meeting to discuss the development of the energy service company (ESCO) market in Kyrgyzstan. The IIWG was established by the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan to strengthen energy efficiency (EE) services market and building energy performance certification standards.

At the meeting, the participants discussed the basic principles of ESCOs and Energy Performance Contracts (EPC), approaches to measuring and verifying energy savings, and aligning ESCO/EPC requirements to the specific context of Kyrgyzstan. Participants also considered opportunities for financing and stimulating private sector involvement, as well as selection of pilot sites (schools, hospitals, municipal infrastructure).

The IIWG members will continue the dialogue and will hold the next meeting on 18 September 2025, which will be dedicated to monitoring and quality control of building energy certification.

Mary, Turkmenistan – More than 150 senior schoolgirls from School No. 28 in Mary and over 40 first-year students from the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan (SEIT) took part in the “STEM4Her” events held at the school on 4 September and at SEIT on 30 August 2025, respectively.

Both events were organised by the European Union funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” with the support of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan. They were held as part of the campaign “The European Union – Turkmenistan: Sustainable Energy Days”.

Social stereotypes and low awareness often prevent girls from considering STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) as a career path. The events were dedicated to the topics of STEM education and career in the energy sector.

Female experts addressed the participants: Ilze Purina, SECCA Key Expert on Energy Sector Governance; Maija Dzirkale, SECCA International Consultant on Building Certification; and Jemal Durdykova, Climate Awareness and Youth Engagement Analyst for the UNDP project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Awaza”. They spoke to the girls about “green” energy, the prospects for renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment in Turkmenistan, and also shared their own professional experiences in these fields.

Overall, the event enhanced participants’ awareness of sustainable energy and career opportunities in the energy sector.

Mary, Turkmenistan – The State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan (SEIT) hosted the international conference “Sustainable Energy – Energy of the Future: International Experience in Advancing and Implementing Innovative Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies in Residential and Public Buildings.” The event was held in a hybrid format and brought together more than 270 participants, including representatives of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, SEIT staff and faculty, specialists from the Scientific and Production Center “Renewable Energy Sources”, as well as students of the institute.

The introduction of innovative energy efficiency (EE) technologies and the use of renewable energy sources (RES) in the construction sector offers a wide range of benefits, including improved energy security, indoor comfort, economic efficiency, and direct environmental advantages.

Opening remarks at the conference were delivered by Aganyaz Jumayev, Vice-Rector of SEIT, and Paata Janelidze, Team Leader and Key Expert of the EU-funded SECCA project. The first session featured presentations by international consultants and national experts on the EU experience in integrating RES technologies in buildings, improving EE in social facilities, the prospects for “green” energy development in Turkmenistan, as well as opportunities under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme for advancing EE and RES technologies. The second session was dedicated to the award ceremony for the winners of two competitions: 1) among young scientists for “The Most Promising Research Paper on Promoting Energy Efficiency” and 2) among students for “The Most Promising Research Paper on Renewable Energy Development.”

The conference followed the official Opening Ceremony of SEIT’s new academic building, held on 1 September 2025. SECCA project experts had provided technical guidance during the design and construction stages of this building. At the ceremony, EU Ambassador Beata Peksa handed SEIT the “Green Certificates”.

The conference was held as part of the European Union – Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days campaign annually organised by the SECCA project. Other campaign events also included the STEM4Her events for the first-year SEIT students and senior schoolgirls from School No. 28, which was recognized as “The Most Energy-Efficient School in Mary” by the EU in 2023, as well as the opening of the photo exhibition “The European Union – Turkmenistan: Faces of Sustainable Energy Development Cooperation” at SEIT.

Mary, Turkmenistan – The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Turkmenistan awarded “Green Certificates” to the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan (SEIT), recognising its commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient construction. The “Green Certificates” were presented by H.E. Ms Beata Peksa, EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, during the official opening ceremony of the SEIT’s new academic building in Mary. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, SEIT faculty and students, the EU, and other international partners.

As part of the EU-funded Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) project’s activities in Turkmenistan, SECCA experts provided technical recommendations during the design and construction phases of the new building, focusing on green and sustainable building standards in line with the EU best practices. At a later stage, the Latvian Sustainable Building Council carried out a sustainability assessment of the new building of SEIT confirming that it reflects the successful integration of green construction standards and innovative approaches. The certificates acknowledge SEIT’s commitment to implementing innovative energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions in its new facilities, contributing to more sustainable use of resources and improved learning conditions.

The “Green Certificates” awarded to SEIT recognise achievements in three key areas:

• Water Conservation and Management: This recognises the use of water-efficient technologies, such as rainwater collection and efficient irrigation solutions – initiatives that contribute directly to addressing Turkmenistan’s water scarcity challenge.
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Integration: By promoting renewable solutions, including solar power, this achievement demonstrates a strong commitment to a sustainable energy future.
• Education and Capacity Building: This recognises the institution’s efforts in providing training on sustainable building practices and fostering a culture of sustainability that will have lasting positive impacts on the built environment, ensuring that future generations of specialists are trained in sustainable construction and energy practice.

Addressing the participants of the ceremony, Ambassador Peksa said: “Through initiatives, such as the EU-funded SECCA project, the European Union is working with partners across the region to promote renewable energy, strengthen energy efficiency, and encourage sustainable building practices. The SEIT’s new academic building is a practical outcome of this cooperation, demonstrating how local commitment and international expertise can be successfully combined. This recognition underscores the State Energy Institute’s role as a leading educational and research institution advancing Turkmenistan’s sustainable energy agenda. It highlights SEIT’s efforts to apply modern technologies in alignment with international and European standards. We are pleased to work with SEIT, which is giving young people the tools and knowledge they need for building a clean and green future for their country.”

A day earlier the guests of the ceremony visited the photo exhibition “The European Union – Turkmenistan: Faces of Sustainable Energy Development Cooperation”, organised by the SECCA project as part of the EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days (SEDs). The exhibition showcases inspiring individuals from Turkmenistan who are driving transition toward a more sustainable energy system. The portraits will remain on display at SEIT to inspire students to achieve their academic and professional goals. The SEDs campaign takes place for the third time in Turkmenistan. The SEDs programme will continue with the International Conference “Sustainable Energy – the Energy of the Future: International Experience in Advancing and Implementing Innovative Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Technologies in Residential and Public Buildings” (2 September 2025) and the Training Workshop “Development of Renewable Energy Sources in Turkmenistan: Features of Operation and Maintenance of Solar and Wind Power Plants in the Climatic Conditions of Turkmenistan” (3-4 September 2025), both to be hosted at SEIT.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – The Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan approved “The Procedure for maintaining the state cadastre of renewable energy sources (RES) and the use of its data” on 1 August 2025. This document sets out requirements for the structure, content, and management of the national RES database.

The cadastre will serve as a centralised system of information on potential and actual sites for renewable energy installations, their capacity, and annual energy production. It will also include data on RES producers across Turkmenistan’s administrative-territorial units, as well as on the types of renewable sources in use.

According to the Ministry, the cadastre is designed to:

• assess the energy potential of the country and the efficiency of RES deployment;
• support state and regional programmes on renewable energy;
• analyse and forecast the reduction of pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions;
• account for RES to ensure energy supply for the population (including in remote areas);
• attract investments to the sector, and other.

The preparation of this regulatory framework was supported by the European Union’s project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”, which provided Recommendations for this new Procedure. This work was carried out within the project’s technical assistance to Turkmenistan in the field of renewable energy.

The cadastre will be maintained both on the Ministry’s official website and on paper, with regular updates published in informational bulletins. Data will be open to the public, except for information restricted by law.

Earlier this year, based on the recommendations prepared by the SECCA project, the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan adopted two other regulatory documents “Ensuring Guaranteed Connection for Renewable Energy Installations to State Energy Systems” and “Safety Rules for the Operation of Electricity Facilities”.

“Energiya Joly” Podcast explores the path to sustainable energy in Central Asia. It has been launched by the EU-funded SECCA Project.

The latest episode explores the progress of environmental initiatives in Kazakhstan. It highlights the journey of the ECOJER Association – from a small team to a leading organisation capable of influencing national environmental legislation. The conversation explores how ECOJER balances diverse stakeholder interests, implements regional projects, engages with the international I-REC system for renewable energy certification, and partners with the European Union to learn from and implement the European best practices in Kazakhstan.

Host: Zhaksylyk Tokayev, energy and climate expert
Guest: Rustem Kabzhanov, CEO of the Kazakhstan Association of Regional Environmental Initiatives ECOJER

Watch the full episode here (in Russian):

This podcast is funded by the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the consortium led by Stanted and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – The Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic has officially established an Inter-Institutional Working Group (IIWG) to strengthen energy efficiency (EE) services market and building energy performance certification standards. This step marks a significant milestone in Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to further advance national EE policies.

Comprising representatives from government bodies and technical experts, the IIWG is tasked to develop decisions on structuring of the bylaws that will enable the effective operation of Energy Services Companies (ESCOs), as well as monitoring and quality assurance of building Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

The European Union (EU) funded SECCA project will support the IIWG by sharing the European Union’s and its Member States’ experience and advising on best practices. This work builds directly on SECCA’s activities during 2023-2024, when the project prepared a draft framework for Kyrgyzstan’s buildings EPCs quality control system.

“Energiya Joly” Podcast explores the path to sustainable energy in Central Asia. It has been launched by the EU-funded SECCA Project.

Episode 14 explores the topics of projected tariffs, the role of consumers, targeted support to vulnerable groups, small-scale generation, and more.

Host: Zhaksylyk Tokayev, energy and climate expert
Guest: Zhakyp Bokenbayev, Chairman of the Board of Directors at JSC “KOREM”.

Watch the full episode here (in Russian):

This podcast is funded by the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the consortium led by Stanted and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The European Union (EU)-funded SECCA project released a comprehensive database of Central Asian (CA) research institutions and universities to support their participation in Cluster 5 of the Horizon Europe programme, which focuses on climate, energy, and mobility.

This new resource is designed to help European stakeholders easily identify and connect with qualified organisations across Central Asia that are both interested in and capable of contributing to Horizon Europe projects. Many institutions in the region have previously noted the difficulty of finding European partners – a key requirement for third-country participation. The database directly addresses this challenge, facilitates consortium building, promotes knowledge exchange, and enhances the international research collaboration.

Full access to the database is available via the GREENET platform – an official network of the Horizon Europe Cluster 5 National Contact Points in the EU.

Currently, the database includes detailed profiles of organisations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, with the information from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan expected to be added soon.

This initiative coincides with the release of the 2025 Cluster 5 Work Programme, which includes several calls encouraging cooperation between EU Member States and third countries. As such, the database is a timely and practical tool for researchers and project coordinators seeking reliable partners in the region.

“Energiya Joly” Podcast explores the path to sustainable energy in Central Asia. It has been launched by the EU-funded SECCA Project.

In the new episode, the host and the guest discuss how sustainable engineering solutions make it possible to construct autonomous homes, energy-efficient farms, and near-zero-emission buildings in Kazakhstan. They touch on European practices, the importance of monitoring and maintenance – and why true sustainability starts not with technology, but with a deep understanding of the building itself.

The episode guest shares insights from implementing unique projects, including the energy-efficient village “Energy City”, the country’s largest dairy farm, the world’s first net-zero energy mosque in Astana, and a fully off-grid TechnoDom store in Karagandy.

Host: Zhaksylyk Tokayev, energy and climate expert
Guest: Aleksandr Kravchenko, founder & CEO of SIG Construction

Watch the full episode here (in Russian):