Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – The Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan approved the Instruction on Reducing Technological Electricity Losses during Transmission through the Power Grids of Turkmenistan’s Energy System on 2 October 2025. The Instruction was developed within the framework of the European Union-funded Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) project.

The document was prepared in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan “On Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency” and aims to improve practical mechanisms for enhancing energy efficiency and reducing electricity transmission losses.

The Instruction establishes the procedure for developing and implementing action plans to reduce technological electricity losses during transmission through the energy system power grids, outlines the distribution of responsibilities among the structural divisions of the State Corporation Turkmenenergo, and sets unified forms for calculations and reporting. This regulatory document is intended for engineering and technical personnel in the electric power industry of Turkmenistan who are involved in electricity metering, as well as for specialists responsible for the operation and repair of power stations and networks.

In addition, the Instruction will serve as a training manual for students of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan, which will improve the quality of professional education in the field of energy efficiency and energy conservation.

The preparation of this document is part of the SECCA project’s systemic work aimed at supporting Turkmenistan in the development of regulatory documents on energy efficiency and renewable energy development.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – The Inter-Institutional Working Group (IIWG) for Renewable Energy Development established by the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan met today to discuss the Draft Programme on the Development of Renewable Energy in Kyrgyzstan for 2025-2030.

During the meeting, SECCA Senior Experts Mansur Kudusov and Darius Krauciunas presented the results of the Preliminary Rooftop Solar (RTS) Technical Potential Assessment for various regions of Kyrgyzstan. The study provides an evaluation of the country’s physical, geographical, and technical capacity for the use of RTS installations.

As the next stage of work, the SECCA team proposed to assess the economically feasible RTS potential for different scenarios of possible tariff levels, considering current rates, those submitted for approval, and those under discussion, which would be provided by the authors of the Draft Programme.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The EU-funded Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) project met with representatives of the Department of Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and senior management of the JSC “Institute for the Development of Electric Power and Energy Saving” (EEDI).

During the meeting, SECCA experts presented the outcomes of technical assistance aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s system for monitoring and improving energy efficiency in public buildings. The team introduced a new business process for EEDI, designed to enhance the collection, analysis, and prioritisation of data from the State Energy Register.

The proposed system applies seven criteria – including specific energy consumption, building age, area, type of institution, tariffs, CO₂ emissions, and efficiency class – with a 100-point scale to identify buildings with the highest efficiency potential. Facilities scoring 86 points or above are recommended for on-site audits. Out of 47 data categories collected from public institutions, SECCA experts identified 12 as key indicators for this prioritisation. A dedicated verification questionnaire was also developed to ensure data accuracy and minimise risks prior to field inspections.

In addition, the project prepared a comprehensive list of recommended equipment – such as power quality meters, thermal cameras, airflow and lighting sensors, etc. – and detailed the methodology and stages of on-site energy audits, from preliminary data screening to interviews, visual inspections, measurements, analysis, and final reporting.

In the next phase of work, SECCA experts will develop templates and forms for field audits, conduct pilot inspections at three schools in Astana, and train EEDI specialists to apply the new methodology. These steps will contribute to building national capacity and improving the overall framework for energy efficiency in Kazakhstan’s public sector.

Pavlodar, Kazakhstan – On 22 September 2025, the III Interregional Forum on “Ecology and Production: The Path to a Sustainable Future” took place. It was organised by the Kazakhstan Association of Regional Environmental Initiatives “ECOJER”.

The event brought together representatives of government agencies, businesses, NGOs and industry experts. The main topic of discussion was improving Kazakhstan’s legislation to enable ecological modernisation of industry and promote green investments. Forum participants emphasised the importance of resource conservation, reducing administrative barriers, and creating incentives for industry players willing to invest in the environmental sustainability.

As a result of the dialogue, a set of recommendations was developed which, according to ECOJER, will serve as the basis for future legislative amendments.

The SECCA project, funded by the European Union, was represented at the forum by Team Leader Paata Janelidze, Key Expert Ilze Purina, and National Coordinator Zhaksylyk Tokayev. In addition, ECOJER awarded the project team honorary certificates in recognition of their contribution to the development of sustainable energy in the regions of Kazakhstan.

Online – On 18 September 2025, the Inter-Institutional Working Group (IIWG) established by the Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan and the SECCA project experts met online to discuss structuring of bylaws that will enable the effective monitoring and quality assurance of building Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

The national experts, members of IIWG, representing government agencies and research insitutions, and the SECCA experts reviewed the regulatory framework for energy efficiency and building certification in the Kyrgyz Republic, the European Union experience on independent quality control systems for energy certificates, and the structure of the draft Regulation on the procedure for monitoring and quality assurance of work performed on energy certification of buildings.

The IIWG and SECCA experts will continue the dialogue and agreed to hold the next meeting in October 2025.

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.

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

The new episode explores the role of the Institute for the Development of Electric Power and Energy Saving in improving the energy efficiency of public buildings in Kazakhstan. The Host and the Guest discuss monitoring of energy consumption at the large enterprises, mandatory energy audits, energy-efficient public procurement, standards for social buildings, and the importance of raising public awareness.

Host: Zhaksylyk Tokayev, energy and climate expert
Guest: Yeldos Abakanov, Chairman of the Board of JSC “The Institute for the Development of Electric Power and Energy Saving”

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.

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.