Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The III International Conference “Current State and Prospects for the Development of Renewable Energy in Tajikistan” was held from 23 to 25 June 2025. The event brought together the high-level officials, experts, and researchers from across Central Asia, as well as representatives of international organisations and donors. The Conference served as a platform to foster regional cooperation and emerging initiatives in the renewable energy sector.

The Conference was organised by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, and the Association of Renewable Energy Tajikistan, in partnership with the European Union (EU), GIZ, OSCE, and AEE Tajikistan Chapter.

In his opening remarks, Daler Jum’a, Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, emphasized the country’s and its energy sector’s vulnerability to climate change. He noted that the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan until 2030 sets a target to diversify energy generation sources by 10% and produce an additional 500 million kWh annually through renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies. The Minister reiterated Tajikistan’s commitment to regional integration and making a significant contribution to reducing harmful emissions through development of infrastructure projects for the transmission of clean and green energy from Tajikistan to neighbouring countries.

The EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” contributed to Session VII of the Conference focused on the prospects for the development of rooftop solar installations in Central Asian countries. SECCA Team Leader and Key Expert in Energy Engineering Paata Janelidze moderated this session and opened the discussion with a presentation on the project’s work in promoting rooftop solar. The session then continued with the presentation by SECCA’s Senior Expert in Energy Engineering Mansur Kudusov on the detailed assessment of rooftop solar energy potential in Central Asia.

The session concluded with an engaging discussion among the participants, reflecting growing interest from public, private, and academic stakeholders. It underscored the importance of regional cooperation and international support in advancing rooftop solar deployment across Central Asia.

Astana, Kazakhstan – A Roundtable “Development of Geothermal Energy in Kazakhstan: Prospects and Challenges” gathered the representatives of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, research institutes, universities, and the private sector from Kazakhstan, as well as experts from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. This event was organised jointly by the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan and the European Union funded SECCA project.

According to the International Energy Agency’s report “The Future of Geothermal Energy” (2024), with continued technological improvements and reduced project costs, geothermal energy could cover up to 15% of the global increase in electricity demand by 2050. This would mean the potential deployment of up to 800 GW of geothermal capacity, capable of producing around 6,000 TWh annually. Meanwhile, the total installed geothermal capacity worldwide currently stands at only 15-16 GW.

Many experts agree that geothermal energy sources are constant, reliable, and highly efficient in terms of their coefficient of performance.

Kazakhstan has significant potential for low-temperature geothermal energy, but this potential remains largely untapped. The draft Law “On the Development of Alternative Energy” initiated by the Ministry of Energy in 2024 includes the development of geothermal energy among the priority areas. At the Roundtable, the experts discussed its provisions.

Then, representatives from academia presented on the distribution of low-temperature geothermal energy resources in Kazakhstan, as well as the prospects for using geothermal heat pumps to decarbonize energy supply systems in various climatic regions of the country. A private sector representative shared experiences from implemented geothermal heating projects in Astana, Karaganda, and the Akmola region. Experts from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan also presented their countries’ experiences in utilizing geothermal resources.

After the presentations, the participants exchanged views on the legal, technical, and financial aspects of geothermal energy development and proposed priority directions for pilot initiatives.

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

In this episode, the host and the guest discuss how Tajikistan is building a sustainable energy system and establishing its place on the regional energy map. They talk about the development of hydropower and solar energy, the CASA-1000 project, energy access for remote communities, and the role of international partners, including the European Union. The episode also explores the country’s potential as an electricity transit hub and the prospects for a unified energy market in Central Asia.

Host: Zhaksylyk Tokayev, Energy and Climate Expert, SECCA’s National Coordinator in Kazakhstan.

Guest: Furugzod Usmonov, CASA-1000 project coordinator in Tajikistan, expert on regional energy integration.

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.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – The European Union funded “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” project has submitted a comprehensive package of regulatory and methodological documents to key government bodies of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This package is intended to lay the groundwork for the development of a modern energy services market in the country.

The documents were developed at the request of the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, SECCA’s main partner in the country. The prepared regulatory and methodological materials reflect the government’s policy priorities in the field of energy efficiency and the creation of favorable conditions for the growth of Uzbekistan’s energy services market. This highlights the state’s strong interest in establishing an effective energy-saving system through energy service contract mechanisms.

The submitted document package includes three interrelated components:

1. Regulation on the Provision of Energy Services establishes a clear legal framework for the operation of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs), including:
   • A two-stage project implementation mechanism: from energy audit to the deployment of energy-saving measures
   • Principles of financing projects without capital expenditures from the client
   • Mechanisms to guarantee the achievement of declared energy savings.
2. Energy Efficiency Measurement and Verification Methodology represents an adaptation of the international IPMVP (International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol) to Uzbekistan’s conditions and includes:
   • Four methods of determining energy savings, each with different levels of accuracy and cost
   • Consideration of climate features and production cycles
   • Practical examples for industrial facilities, public institutions, and street lighting systems.
3. Standard Energy Service Contract provides:
   • Clear allocation of responsibilities and risks between the ESCO and the client
   • Mechanisms for financial guarantees and insurance
   • Procedures for independent verification of achieved results.

“The submitted documents consolidate the best international practices in energy services, adapted to Uzbekistan’s legislation and economic context,” noted Paata Janelidze, SECCA Team Leader. “Particular attention has been paid to creating transparent operational mechanisms, which is critical for attracting private investment in energy efficiency.”

Implementation of the proposed regulatory framework will:

• Attract private investment into the modernization of energy infrastructure without burdening the state budget
• Create a new market segment with potential worth hundreds of millions of dollars
• Reduce the energy intensity of the economy in line with national goals
• Generate thousands of highly skilled jobs.

The SECCA project has expressed its readiness to continue providing technical support during the documents review stage, including conducting training seminars for government officials and potential market participants.

According to Presidential Decree No. UP-63 dated 27 March 2025, the new Regulation on the Procedure for Providing Energy Services must be approved by 1 July 2025, making the submitted documents especially timely.

Online – The representatives of the state partners, SECCA national coordinators, and members of the Regional Group on Modelling attended the Online Regional Workshop on Energy Modelling organised by the European Union’s Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) project.

The event marked an important milestone – it has launched Phase II of SECCA’s work on building capacities of the Central Asian countries to develop national energy sector models, improve local systems thinking and knowledge (data) based decision making in the energy and climate sectors. The workshop reviewed the results of Phase I and the plan for Phase II.

Phase I focused on building foundational skills, including the creation of the Regional Group on Modelling made up of young professionals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Three technical workshops throughout 2024 and early 2025 covered strategic energy and climate planning, data collection and analysis, and the practical application of modelling for preparation of strategic documents and plans in the energy and climate sectors.

At the workshop, Workstream Lead on Energy Modelling Rocco De Miglio presented a summary of the progress achieved so far, including five country reports. These reports developed by the members of the Regional Group on Modelling demonstrate their new knowledge and skills, and provide proposals and ideas for future developments of simple country analyses and tools. Participants from each country also shared feedback and insights.

Looking ahead, Phase II will adopt a more targeted, country-specific and application-oriented approach. Upcoming events include a regional workshop in Tashkent in July 2025 focused on energy scenario development and analysis covering topics of renewable energy penetration, energy efficiency in buildings, and coal phase-out, as well as a follow-up workshop in, tentatively, November 2025 and a regional conference in early 2026 to present, respectively, the interim and final results of the scenario analysis.

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

The new 10th episode delves into the current state of Kyrgyzstan’s sustainable energy sector, its key challenges and opportunities for sustainable development. The host and the guest discuss the legislative initiatives, implemented projects, women’s participation and leadership in the energy sector, and etc.

Host: Zhaksylyk Tokayev, Energy and Climate Expert, SECCA’s National Coordinator in Kazakhstan.

Guest: Nurzat Abdyrasulova, Sustainable Energy Expert, founder of UNISON Group.

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 – On 1 June 2025, at EuroFest 2025, the European Union (EU) funded SECCA project unveiled the photo exhibition titled “The European Union – Central Asia: Faces of Sustainable Energy Development Cooperation”, as part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days.

This photo exhibition celebrates the human faces of sustainable energy cooperation between the EU and the Central Asian countries. It highlights individuals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan – policymakers, engineers, students, researchers, educators, and others – who are driving the energy transition, advancing sustainable development, and taking actions – big or small – toward a greener and more resilient tomorrow for their countries and for generations to come.

Each portrait tells a real-life story: a journey of dedication, aspiration and inner strength. Together, they demonstrate that cooperation between the EU and Central Asia is not just about policies or technologies – it’s about people.

The exhibition will also be displayed later this year in other capital cities across the region as part of the Sustainable Energy Days in each country.

Astana, Kazakhstan – EuroFest 2025, the European Union’s cultural festival promoting unity and peace, returned to Astana on 1 June 2025 in celebration of the Europe Day and the International Children’s Day. The event has become a vital platform for deepening the ties between the EU and Kazakhstan, fostering cross-cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

The SECCA project took part in the event with its dedicated booth as part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days, joining the EU Member States and other EU-funded projects. The project experts engaged with the festival visitors, including children, through interactive activities aimed at raising awareness about sustainable energy.

One of the highlights was unveiling of the photo exhibition “The European Union – Central Asia: Faces of Sustainable Energy Development Cooperation”. It showcased inspiring individuals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, who are driving transition toward sustainable energy system and a greener and more resilient tomorrow.

On the festival’s main stage, H.E. Aleška Simkić, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, awarded the winners of the regional media contest “Energy Transition for a Better Tomorrow”, organised by SECCA, thus highlighting the power of storytelling in promoting clean energy.

Moreover, the project conducted the educational game “Clean Energy to Power Up My Home”. The participants learned about the renewable energy projects operating in Kazakhstan, including solar, wind, hydropower, and biogas. They also explored the role of clean energy in combating climate change.

SECCA’s participation in the EuroFest 2025 demonstrated its continued dedication to raising awareness among the public about the interlinkage between energy, climate and sustainable development, and supporting clean and inclusive energy transition across Central Asia.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The European Union (EU) announced the winners of the regional media Contest “Energy transition for a better tomorrow”, held among journalists from Central Asia. The Award Ceremony took place on 1 June 2025 during the EuroFest2025 in Astana and was part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days.

The contest drew significant interest from the journalistic community across the region. Total 128 journalists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan applied and submitted 206 entries. After a competitive evaluation process, 15 entries were shortlisted for the final round, and, as a result, the Jury selected three winners:

• First prize: Vladislav Ushakov, Kyrgyzstan, photojournalist at “Photo.kg”, photo report titled “Kyzyl-Beyit: from isolation to energy independence”
• Second prize: Amina Manayeva, Kazakhstan, correspondent at “Perviy kanal “Evraziya”, video report titled “Will solar and wind energy help us?”
• Third prize: Doniyor Tukhsinov, Uzbekistan, journalist at “Kun.kz”, online article titled “Green goals: How can Uzbekistan prepare its youth for a clean economy?”.

The winners were awarded cash prizes of EUR 3,000, EUR 2,000, and EUR 1,000, respectively, funded by the EU.

In addition, the Jury gave special recognition to other two journalists: Ayzada Amangeldiyeva, Uzbekistan, for an online interview on “Anchor.uz” titled “Karakalpak Princesses: would you marry a woman working in the energy sector?” and Ermek Aktanov, Kyrgyzstan, for a radio report on “Birinchi Radio” titled “A woman in energy”.

Addressing the contest winners and participants, H.E. Aleška Simkić, the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, said: “Good journalism makes a real difference. Journalists tell important stories and help drive conversations on essential topics, such as this – energy transition for a cleaner and more sustainable future for everyone. On behalf of the European Union, I would like to sincerely thank all contestants and encourage them to continue their valuable work in raising awareness and inspiring action on climate, environment, energy, and other pressing issues. I congratulate our winners – your stories stood out for their impact, insight, and relevance and truly deserve this recognition. I am sure they inspired many readers and viewers to consider and make climate- and environmentally-friendly changes in their lives.”

The media contest covered a range of important topics, including sustainable energy, renewable energy, energy efficiency, gender equality in the energy sector, STEM education for girls, green and sustainable building practices, EU–Central Asia cooperation on sustainable energy, and research collaboration under the Horizon Europe Programme’s “Climate, Energy, and Mobility” cluster. The contest and award were organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia” (SECCA) to boost public awareness on the transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the Planet.

Background:

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities. It acts globally to promote sustainable development of societies, environment and economies, so that everyone can benefit.

The European Union – Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days is part of the broader European Union – Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of national stakeholders and the public in the region of Central Asia on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy and the interlinkage between energy and climate change. It also represents a global edition of EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the largest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, initiated in 2007 by the European Commission.

The EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” (from March 2022 to March 2026) aims to promote a sustainable energy mix in the Central Asia region in line with EU best practices. SECCA strives to provide for strengthened and more inclusive policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the transition to a sustainable energy system, within a regional context. It also focuses on raising the public’s awareness about energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE), and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, SECCA Communication strategist, email: media@secca.eu, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, SECCA Media relations expert, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, or the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Kokand, Uzbekistan – Kokand University hosted an Information Day on the Horizon Europe Programme, with the support of the European Union funded SECCA project. The event brought together around 50 participants, including faculty members, researchers, postgraduate students, and staff from international cooperation departments of several universities across the country, such as Andijan State Technical University, Fergana State Technical University, Tashkent State Technical University, and others.

Nargiza Dalmuradova, SECCA expert on programme’s Cluster 5 in Uzbekistan, led a key session on the opportunities provided by the programme, with a special focus on Cluster 5: ‘Climate, Energy and Mobility’. This cluster allocates around EUR 15 billion to projects on climate-neutral technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable mobility. Participants learned about the cluster’s priorities, including decarbonisation of energy systems, energy efficient buildings and sustainable transport, as well as examples of projects such as the development of next-generation solar panels and energy storage systems.

In the practical part, the participants, including young researchers and faculty members with experience in international project competitions, were immersed in a role-playing activity simulating the application submission for Cluster 5 calls. They practiced defining goals aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), planning activities, and forming consortia with international partners (universities, research institutes, and companies). Application templates and videos of successful projects were also shared. Ms. Dalmuradova demonstrated how to search for funding calls using the “Funding & Tenders Portal.”

The participants appreciated the interactive format and noted the relevance of Cluster 5 for the Central Asian region. ‘This session has opened the door for us to engage in international projects on renewable energy, which can significantly enhance the country’s scientific potential, especially in Fergana,’ shared J. Rakhmatillaev, a lecturer at Andijan State Technical University. Many expressed interest in developing applications on the topics of energy efficiency and green mobility, requesting further training on consortium building.

‘The information day strengthened our ambitions to participate in the Horizon Europe programme, especially in Cluster 5, where we see prospects for Uzbekistan,’ noted J. Kambarov, Vice-Rector of Kokand University.