Astana, Kazakhstan – The European Union (EU) funded SECCA project produced two videos on the use of energy efficient technologies in apartment buildings and alternative energy sources in households. The videos were produced with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Electric Power and Energy Saving Development Institute, and were funded by the EU.

About 1/4 of all energy produced in the Central Asian region (CA) and 1/3 of all energy produced in Kazakhstan is used for space heating. At the same time, the building sector consumes the most energy (33.4%).[1]

Many apartment buildings in the region were built in the 1960s and 1970s, when energy efficiency and insulation were rarely considered in construction. There are more than 2 mln households in Kazakhstan, but the population is still not widely aware of the new energy efficient appliances and renewable energy technologies that can be used at home and bring benefits, such as lower utility bills, better air quality, reduced carbon footprint. In addition, the population often perceives energy as an unlimited resource, not realising the limitations of traditional energy sources and the negative impact of their extraction and overconsumption on the environment, the climate, and, as a consequence, the health and well-being of people and the economic development of the country.

Promoting habits of rational use of energy resources, as well as investment in energy efficient and renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption at the apartment buildings and household levels. The videos are aimed at raising public awareness of modern green technologies in construction, as well as creating demand for environmentally sustainable buildings. This, in turn, will stimulate market development and increase supply from construction companies and material producers.

The videos will run on the television, screens at public spaces, and social media. They were produced in Kazakh and Russian. The English subtitles are available in the Kazakh versions.

[1] International Energy Agency (2022), Kazakhstan Energy Review 2022, p. 123. Available at: https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/fc84229e-6014-4400-a963-bccea29e0387/Kazakhstan2022.pdf.

Video 1 on Energy Efficiency in apartment buildings

In Kazakh with English subtitles:

In Russian:

Video 2 on Alternative Energy Sources in households

In Kazakh with English subtitles:

In Russian:

“Energiya Joly” is a podcast launched by the SECCA Project, which explores the path to sustainable energy in Central Asia.

Its Second Episode is about prospects and challenges of the renewable energy deployment in Kazakhstan. The host and guests consider the current state of the sector, the main results, as well as the main problems and ways to solve them. Particular attention is paid to regional cooperation and analysis of the European Union’s experience to increase ambitions in the field of renewable energy production.

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

Guests: Ainur Sospanova, Chairman of the Board of the Renewable Energy Association “Qazaq Green”, and Gulzhan Nalibayeva, General Director of Settlement and Financial Center for Renewable Energy Support LLP.

Watch the full episode here:

Podcast channel on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EnergiyaJoly.

The European Union funded SECCA Project launched a new podcast “Energiya Joly”. It explores the path to sustainable energy in Central Asia.

The Podcast particularly aims to communicate the key sustainable energy and climate developments, challenges and opportunities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The Podcast is produced in the Russian language only and is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EnergiyaJoly.

Its Host is Mr Zhaksylyk Tokayev, energy and climate expert, SECCA’s National Coordinator in Kazakhstan.

The guests of the first episode are Mr Abdulla Ushurov, entrepreneur and founder of Elcomtel, and Mr Erlan Dairbekov, energy expert and one of the developers of amendments to the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on small-scale renewable energy sources.

This episode covers key aspects of small-scale renewables: from technology selection and grid connection to legislative changes and prospects in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Watch the first episode here:

Kyrgyz Republic – From 21 to 25 October 2024, the Second European Union – Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days took place in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. Organised annually by the European Union (EU) in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, this campaign engages and fosters dialogue on sustainable energy transition among energy experts, policymakers, civil society, businesses, youth, and children. The event featured a variety of activities, including expert discussions, a student debate, and the Most Energy Efficient School award ceremony.

H.E. Marilyn Josefson, Ambassador of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, stated: “The EU welcomes Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to a sustainable energy future and supports the endorsement of its Energy Programme 2035, which provides for the clean energy path. The EU – Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days are a testament to our shared commitment to promoting sustainable energy with an ultimate goal to address and adapt to climate change. Through this initiative, we aim to empower policymakers, businesses, and the younger generation to advance green growth in Kyrgyzstan. This event not only raises awareness about the economic and social benefits of sustainable energy, but also encourages everyone to actively participate in building a greener, more resilient future.”

In Osh, the European Union awarded Secondary School №14 named after K. Altybaev as the Most Energy Efficient School. The Award Ceremony was attended by students, teachers, parents, representatives of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Education and Science, the Department of Education of the Osh city, as well as the EU diplomats and EU project experts.

In Bishkek, the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov became a stage for the Student Lectures and Debate on sustainable energy. The students from the Kyrgyz Agrarian University named after Skryabin (KAU), and the International University of Innovative Technologies (IUIT) also took part. They explored the EU approaches to renewable energy and energy efficiency and debated solutions for sustainable building design in Kyrgyzstan. The EU awarded all participating students with a free access to the Energy training delivered online by the Florence School of Regulation (Italy), a European centre of excellence for innovative trainings on energy and climate.

All campaign actions were implemented by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” from the EU side. The project experts and the local “Unison Group” environmental advisory firm also held a panel discussion at the Central Asian Regional Forum “Green Economy 2024” organised by the Ministry of Energy and conducted a side event for policymakers and businesses in the construction sector. They shared the EU and Member States experiences in green construction and sustainable building practices.

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 – Kyrgyzstan 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 campaign is organised yearly in the countries of Central Asia by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”.

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. To fulfil its mission, 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, and focuses on contributing to the fulfilment of international human rights commitments in CA countries, including equal access to energy, and supporting gender inclusive policies and legislation for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). The project activities include capacity development for EE and RE deployment, awareness raising on EE and RE, and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Senior Strategic Communication Expert, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication and Media Relations Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, email: delegation-kyrgyzstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – Representatives of Central Asian (CA) governments, businesses, as well as regional and international organisations attended the Central Asian Regional Forum “Green Economy 2024”.

Organised by the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic with the support of international partners, including the European Union (EU), UNDP, OSCE, and GIZ, the Forum provided a unique opportunity for the delegates to discuss strategies and practices of transition to a green economy. The key topics on the agenda included green energy, sustainable tourism, waste management and green buildings. Opportunities for green financing to promote sustainable economic growth in the region were also explored.

The EU-funded SECCA project, alongside the local environmental consulting firm “Unison Group” organised the panel session of the Forum devoted to best practices in green construction. The participants of the session reviewed the experiences of the EU and its Member States, as well as of Kyrgyzstan and the neighbouring CA countries Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in promoting sustainable construction and buildings.

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – More than 50 policymakers, architects, developers, representatives of the construction sector, and representatives from the construction sector, along with producers and distributors of energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies, attended the Workshop “Green buildings: trends and innovations in sustainable development”.

The built environment plays a critical role in everyday life and is recognised as one of the primary contributors to the global energy demand and the greenhouse gases emissions. The construction sector accounts for nearly 38% of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions and consumes around 40% of the world’s raw materials, making it a significant contributor to resource depletion and environmental degradation. Therefore, achieving sustainability in the construction industry is crucial for contributing to the global transition towards a climate-neutral built environment.

The construction industry is a key stakeholder in this transition. Commercial construction companies are increasingly recognizing the value of sustainability, leading the charge in promoting a more sustainable future by adopting practices such as energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, water conservation, sustainable material selection, and waste management. Aligning construction practices with sustainability principles is essential for fostering responsible and impactful development across the sector.

Organised within the European Union – Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days, the workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to explore new developments and best practices in both the EU and Central Asia, aimed at promoting sustainability within the construction sector. Participants also discussed how lessons learned and experiences from EU Member States can be integrated into sustainable energy policy development in the construction sector across Central Asia.

The event was organised by the European Union (EU) funded SECCA project in collaboration with Unison Group, with the support of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Osh, Kyrgyz Republic – The European Union (EU) recognised secondary school №14 named after Kanybek Altybaev as the Most Energy Efficient School of the Osh city. The Award Ceremony, organised as part of the Second European Union – Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days, gathered the students, teachers, parents, representatives of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Department of Education of the Osh city, as well as the EU diplomats and EU project experts.

The event was organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The Ceremony was followed by an introductory lesson and quiz for students on the interlinkage between climate change and energy. This activity raised awareness among the schoolchildren about the rational use of energy resources, renewable energy solutions, energy efficiency and energy-saving practices, as well as fostered the children’s cognitive interests and creative thinking, and instilled environmental protection habits, love for nature, and the planet.

Addressing the participants of the Award Ceremony, H.E. Marilyn Josefson, Ambassador of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, said: “The earlier young people begin taking care of the environment and the future of their country, the deeper their understanding of the problems and solutions will be. The EU is proud to support initiatives that encourage sustainable practices and energy efficiency in schools. Recognizing the most energy-efficient school in Osh demonstrates our commitment to empowering the next generation to be leaders in sustainability and innovation. This award is a testament to the students’ and educators’ dedication to building a greener future for Kyrgyzstan and beyond.”

Ms Dilbar Matanova, School Principal, noted: “It is a great honour for us to receive this European Union award. It gives us a strong motivation to continue our work and efforts to build a brighter future for our children and our country. We are proud that our students are learning about sustainable development and responsible use of natural resources, and growing into environmentally conscious individuals who care deeply about the planet. Many thanks to the Ministry of Education and the European Union for organising such a joyous celebration for our children and teachers.”

The assessment of energy efficiency indicators and selection of the school has been conducted by the SECCA project in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science and was based on data provided by the Ministry. The Award Ceremony was also organised jointly by the Ministry and the SECCA project.

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 – Kyrgyzstan 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 campaign is organised yearly in the countries of Central Asia by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”.

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. To fulfil its mission, 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, and focuses on contributing to the fulfilment of international human rights commitments in CA countries, including equal access to energy, and supporting gender inclusive policies and legislation for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). The project activities include capacity development for EE and RE deployment, awareness raising on EE and RE, and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Senior Strategic Communication Expert, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication and Media Relations Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, email: delegation-kyrgyzstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Almaty, Kazakhstan – Over 70 representatives of national energy ministries, energy companies, associations, international and regional partners, and energy students gathered at the Regional Conference “Gender and Energy in Central Asia”. The event, held on 17-18 October 2024, was organised jointly by the European Union (EU) through its project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”, USAID Power Central Asia, and the GIZ project “H2-Diplo – Decarbonisation Diplomacy”.

Globally, women remain significantly underrepresented in the energy sector, accounting for only 22% of the workforce in oil and gas, and 32% in the renewable energy sector. This gender disparity is among the largest across industries worldwide.

Gender equality is a priority for the European Union, as indicated in its 2020-2025 Gender Equality Strategy. In the opening remarks, Dr Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, stated: “Cleaner energy sources and energy-efficient practices are crucial for an effective energy transition. At the same time, inclusivity and equality also play a key role in ensuring that the energy transition is truly effective, long-lasting and resilient. Central Asian countries have achieved remarkable progress in setting and pursuing ambitious climate neutrality and greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Meeting these targets requires substantial investment and a skilled workforce. Currently, the global talent pool is insufficient, and Central Asia is no exception. Women and men, girls and boys each have specific needs and talents, and it is crucial to take these differences into account when designing policies, developing projects or launching new initiatives”.

During the conference, SECCA project experts presented the findings from the Gender-in-Energy Assessments conducted for each Central Asian country and the region as a whole. Leading female energy professionals from the region and beyond shared insights and experiences, while representatives from organisations such as EBRD, GIZ, and USAID discussed how gender is being integrated into development and financial projects and the results achieved so far.

SECCA Gender Specialist Ms Silvia Sartori noted: “There are some promising concepts and practices implemented by Central Asian countries. If applied effectively and scaled up regionally, they could make the energy sector more inclusive and gender-equal, contributing to more sustainable and resilient national economies. However, challenges remain, such as the lack of gender-disaggregated data, limited reference to gender in energy policies, and under-representation of women in the sector’s workforce. The expert presentations and discussions during this conference have brought us one step closer to addressing these challenges together.”

The Conference raised awareness and promoted dialogue at the regional level on the nexus between gender equality and clean energy. It also collected inputs on priority areas and specific needs to advance gender equality within the energy sector.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The European Union (EU)-funded SECCA project is assisting Central Asian (CA) countries in creating conditions and building capacity for more active participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme. The project aims to maximise the programme’s impact in Central Asia by providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and cross-border knowledge-sharing.

An initial study by SECCA experts on Kazakhstan’s potential to participate in Horizon Europe revealed that, while the country has significant research capacity, its universities face challenges in finding European partners, which is a prerequisite for participation as a third country. Many CA institutions cited this as one of the main barriers to their involvement in Horizon Europe.

To address this, SECCA has developed a user-friendly template for research organisations in Kazakhstan. This template is designed to highlight key capacities, research interests, and areas of expertise of interested universities in a structured manner. The Science Fund of Kazakhstan has disseminated this template among the country’s higher educational and research institutions. To date, SECCA has received more than 20 completed templates. The next step will involve SECCA assisting these institutions in improving their cooperation profiles and supporting their partner search for Horizon Europe calls.

***

Read more about Horizon Europe here:

What is Horizon Europe?

How to participate?

Participation of CA countries.

Almaty, Kazakhstan – The first regional training on model-based energy and climate analysis organised by the European Union (EU) funded SECCA project took place on 24-27 September 2024. This event gathered young professionals from Central Asian countries to develop their skills in energy and climate strategic planning and modelling analyses. Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of energy modelling, which is crucial for shaping sustainable energy policies and responding to climate challenges.

A key aspect of this project initiative is to establish a Regional Group on Modelling consisting of two young professionals from each country to initiate country “modelling units”. The participants of this Group are specifically tasked to support the energy (and non-energy) data collection and analysis for quantitative model-based analyses, collect and interpret national energy and climate-related policies and factors, and provide feedback and ideas for the future developments of tools.

Mr Rocco De Miglio, SECCA Senior Modelling Expert, said: “This is part of SECCA’s broader effort to promote regional collaboration and knowledge sharing, as well as to improve local systems thinking and knowledge (data) based decision making in the energy and climate sectors. Generating practical impacts that go beyond the duration of the SECCA project is what we strive for by organising this and subsequent two more trainings for the regional group of young professionals. By the end of this project activity, the trainees will have a good understanding of the theoretical background of complex integrated energy and climate analyses, will be able to critically analyse model-based studies and reports and to formulate comments, and will be able to organise data and key factors for simple national and regional modelling exercises”.

During the training, the participants also learned about the EU’s main approaches to decarbonisation, as well as the EU Member States’ experience on preparation of and reporting under the National Energy and Climate Plan.

These regional trainings are a pivotal step in supporting strengthening of Central Asia’s response to climate change by empowering national experts to make informed decisions based on robust data and analysis.