Khatlon region, Tajikistan – Tajikistan has set to develop a sustainable energy sector focusing on scaling up renewables and improving energy efficiency to diversify electric power sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports and ensure uninterrupted energy access for its citizens. The European Union is proud to support Tajikistan to achieve its ambitious goals. By 2030, the country wants to have 10 % of its electricity coming from renewable energy sources other than hydropower, including from solar and wind. By 2037Tajikistan plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to a minimum.

Transition to sustainable energy will help mitigate the negative effects of climate change on the nature and health of the population, and ensure sustainable economic growth. At the same time, this transition is leading to an increased demand for skilled workers across various disciplines, ready to take up new green jobs.

Considering this, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan and the Delegation of the European Union to Tajikistan (EU) organised the second European Union – Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days (SEDs) in the Khatlon region on 28-29 May 2024. Following the first campaign in Dushanbe in 2023, this year’s event emphasised promoting sustainable energy and sustainable mobility awareness, while engaging local communities, and especially focusing on the youth in the region.

The campaign took place in two educational institutions: the Energy College of Jaloliddin Balkhi District and the Institute of Energy of Tajikistan in Kushoniyon. More than 150 stakeholders, among them students and faculty members of two institutions, energy policymakers and professionals from the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, representatives of the Khatlon region and Bokhtar city administrations, as well as the EU representatives and experts, took part in the event. The dynamic agenda included lectures, debates, awards, cycling action and the Vaksh riverside cleaning action.

Mrs Sharifa Khudobakhsh, Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, said: “Sustainable energy is our goal. The path ahead requires innovation, decisive action and collaboration. This annual event has become a significant milestone in our relationship with the European Union in the energy sector. I am proud to see our youth doing their bit to support Tajikistan’s energy transition. I would like to thank the participating institutions and the organisers for their dedication to our common cause”.

H.E. Mr Raimundas Karoblis, the EU Ambassador to Tajikistan, stated: “The European Union is proud to support this initiative in Tajikistan, which underscores the importance of international cooperation and engagement of local communities in tackling global challenges. Through this campaign, we continue to provide a platform for sharing knowledge, fostering dialogue, and creating new opportunities to support the country’s socio-economic growth. I am confident that this European Union – Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days will contribute positively to the region’s sustainable development and inspire the younger generation to further enhance their knowledge and skills and take an active role in shaping a sustainable energy future for Tajikistan”.

The SEDs campaign actions in Tajikistan aimed to raise awareness about sustainable and just energy transition in response to challenges caused by climate change, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement and contributing to achieving Nationally Determined Contributions. SEDs also pave the way for advancing Sustainable Development Goals.

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 – Tajikistan 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, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Tajikistan: Mahbuba.ABDULLOEVA@eeas.europa.eu.

Astana, Kazakhstan – High-level officials, policymakers and energy professionals from Kazakhstan, as well as representatives of the European Union (EU), the EU Member States, and international organisations gathered today at the Central Asian and European Hydrogen Diplomacy Forum.

With the global commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, green hydrogen as a sustainable carrier of green energy and molecules for decarbonization is gaining increasing interest in the Central Asian and Caucasus region, and in Europe. All regions are considering green hydrogen to address the challenges of climate change, energy security, and economic growth in the upcoming years and decades.

By 2030 the EU plans to produce 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen and to import 10 million tonnes annually. Kazakhstan, with its potential to produce cheap renewables from wind and solar, could become one of the importers to the EU.

Addressing the participants, Mr Kestutis Jankauskas, EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, noted: “Energy generation from renewables is essential for the green hydrogen production. Kazakhstan should take quick and decisive action in development of the necessary normative base with orientation on and alignment with the EU market as the main prospective consumer of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen can become an important source for sustainable exports revenue and a driver of modernisation of the Kazakhstani economy. With the Memorandum of Understanding on Raw Materials, Batteries and Hydrogen signed between Kazakhstan and the EU in 2022, we have a strong basis for our cooperation”.

The Hydrogen Diplomacy Office Astana, serving as an international exchange platform between Kazakhstan and Germany on the topic of green hydrogen, organised this event in cooperation with the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”. Considering both exports and domestic use of green hydrogen, the event aimed at facilitating a common understanding of synergy potentials and challenges for regional cooperation and raising awareness about the significance and benefits of sustainable energy.

The Forum featured several high-level discussions on topics such as the development of policies on green hydrogen, production of the green hydrogen in Central Asia and Caucasus, decarbonisation and diversification of the economies in Central Asia.

The SECCA project moderated Session 2 of the Forum titled “Decarbonisation: support for the development of renewable energy and hydrogen in Central Asia”. This session was organised as part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days. SECCA experts presented and shared the European experience on promoting small-scale renewable energy and guarantee of origin for electricity from RES.

Session 2 presentations

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – The Tashkent Botanical Garden hosted the European Union (EU) Festival to celebrate the Europe Day and 30 years of partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Thousands of guests participated in the festive event and its extensive programme of cultural and educational events in honour of the important cooperation milestone between the European Union and Uzbekistan, the EU Delegation reports.

The highlight of the Festival was a large exhibition showcasing 50 projects funded by the EU and its Member States in Uzbekistan and Central Asia. This unique platform featured initiatives in various fields, including trade, employment, human rights, education, skills development, sustainable development, agriculture, culture, and more.

“This year marks the celebration of 30 years of a mutually enriching partnership between the European Union and Uzbekistan. The EU Festival stands as a vibrant testimony to our unwavering dedication to fostering sustainable development, upholding democratic principles, and advancing economic prosperity throughout Uzbekistan. We are proud to be able to present a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at improving trade, education, human rights, sustainable development and cultural exchange. Our collaboration thrives on mutual respect and shared values, laying the foundation for even greater achievements in the future through our collective endeavours,” expressed Her Excellency Charlotte Adriaen, Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, during the inauguration of the Festival.

The EU-funded SECCA project also took part in the event and was represented by Team Leader and Key Expert Paata Janelidze and communication experts Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic and Yerik Ilyassov. The project invited the students and teachers of School 242, which was recognised by the EU as the most energy efficient school of Tashkent last year. The SECCA experts held a quiz challenge “Energy Efficiency Champions” with participation of the schoolchildren and the guests of the event.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – The Joint Conference titled “The 30^th Anniversary of Cooperation between Turkmenistan and the European Union: Working Together for a Better Future” took place on the occasion of the Europe Day, as well as to mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkmenistan and the European Union (EU) celebrated in November 2023.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan and the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan.

The conference brought together a diverse group of participants, including high-level representatives from both sides, namely, H.E. Mr Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, H.E. Ms Terhi Hakala, EU Special Representative for Central Asia and Ms Sarah Rinaldi, Head of Department Central Asia and Middle East, DG INTPA, European Commission. Additionally, Turkmen government officials, diplomats, and representatives of EU-funded regional and national projects participated in the event.

The Conference took stock of the achievements of cooperation, highlighted the transformative impact of collaborative projects and initiatives, and their lasting contributions to the economic and social development, fostered dialogue and exchange of experiences among stakeholders.

The EU-funded SECCA project was represented at the event by Team Leader and Key Expert Paata Janelidze and National Coordinator Atamuhamet Sariyev. At the Conference session devoted to showcasing successful partnership projects in the field of green economy, SECCA Team Leader spoke of the practical application of EU best practices in promoting sustainable energy in Central Asia, as well as the work carried out by the project in Turkmenistan.

Astana, Kazakhstan – More than 120 researchers, scientists, representatives of research institutes, universities and other organisations working in the field of sustainable energy gathered at the regional workshop “Horizon Europe in Central Asia: Promoting Research Excellence and Collaboration for Sustainable Energy”.

The event was organised jointly by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network of Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev University, Science Fund of Kazakhstan, the European Union (EU) funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” and Chevron.

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s (EU) framework research and innovation programme, which provides funding for projects in the EU Member States and the third countries, including Central Asian republics. Total 33 projects and 47 organisations in Central Asia have already benefited from participation in Horizon Europe and its predecessor Horizon 2020.

The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the programme and, in particular, its Cluster 5 “Climate, Energy and Mobility”, as well as opportunities it offers for the research community in the region. It showcased funding schemes, projects and initiatives that match the priorities of stakeholders in Central Asia. The national and international speakers presented how Horizon Europe can support addressing current challenges related to the climate change and the need to promote and develop sustainable energy.

Addressing the participants, Ms Aliya Sembayeva, Deputy Chairman of Science Fund JSC, said: “International collaboration plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges like climate change and ensuring sustainable energy, as these issues surpass geographical boundaries”.

Ms Ilze Purina, SECCA Key Expert, added: “The events like this help to build a network of researchers and professionals to maximise the impact of Horizon Europe in Central Asia and present them with a unique opportunity to harness the power of networking, collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing across borders. The EU’s SECCA project will continue assisting the countries of the region in the creation of pre-conditions and building capacity for more active participation in the Horizon Europe programme”.

Workshop materials

Astana, Kazakhstan – Representatives of the academic and research community from the countries of Central Asia, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as of the European Union (EU) gathered at  Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Conference, which was held at Nazarbayev University.

The event was organised by SDSN Kazakhstan jointly with the Science Fund of Kazakhstan, Nazarbayev University, the EU’s “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” project, and Chevron.

In his opening address, Mr Kestutis Jankauskas, the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, said: “This Conference marks an important step in strengthening the relationship between the European Union and the Central Asian countries in research and innovation. The challenges we face today are global in nature and require collective action. Whether it is combating climate change, transition to sustainable energy or accelerating the digital transformation, no single nation can tackle these issues alone. Researchers and innovators from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan stand to benefit greatly from participating in Horizon Europe. I encourage all to actively engage in the opportunities offered by Horizon Europe. Let us seize this chance to work together, learn from each other, and create a better, healthier and more sustainable future for all”.

The participants discussed research priorities and collaboration opportunities within the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme, Sustainable Development Goals localisation and climate action, public opinion research on sustainability.

Within its scope of work, the SECCA project aims to strengthen capacity of CA institutions to participate in Horizon Europe programme, as well as to strengthen cooperation between universities in the CA region.

The Conference was followed by the workshop “Horizon Europe in Central Asia – Promoting Research Excellence and Collaboration for Sustainable Energy”.

Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan – More than 70 delegates from Turkmenistan, the European Union (EU) and other countries of Central Asia gathered at the International Conference “Climate change – challenges and solutions for sustainable energy” today to share experiences in the implementation of sustainable energy policies in practice.

The Conference was held within the EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days 2024 (SEDs) campaign and was organised jointly by the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, Turkmenbashi city administration, the EU through its project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated development of green cities in Ashgabat and Avaza”.

The event gathered energy experts, policy makers, researchers, representatives of civil society, international organisations, and international financial institutions. It provided an action-oriented forum to share experiences and best practices, including based on the lessons learned by EU Member States and Energy Community Contracting Parties

Addressing the participants of the Conference, Ms Enejan Kakaeva, representative of the Ministry of Energy, said: “Sustainable energy is one of the driving forces behind economic development, the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and plays a huge role in mitigating climate change. Recognising the role of sustainable energy plays in today’s society is of paramount importance. To achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, it is necessary to ensure the rational use of natural resources, develop sustainable production and consumption patterns, and create sustainable energy infrastructure. Sustainable energy is the basis for ensuring social and economic well-being, ensuring a healthy lifestyle and raising living standards. The adoption of the new Law of Turkmenistan “On Energy Saving and Energy Efficiency” is a decisive step towards sustainable energy. In developing this law, the EU’s SECCA project together with the UNDP project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan” provided assistance to the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, in particular, technical support in studying international best practices in promoting energy saving and energy efficiency. The International Conference “Climate Change – Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Energy” will be a platform for sharing experience and discussing areas for further co-operation”.

H.E. Ms Beata Peksa, EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, reiterated the EU’s support and said: “Transition towards sustainable energy is not only desirable but imperative for combating challenges posed by climate change and supporting the well-being of current and future generations. Cooperation and dialogue are essential in this regard. The European Union welcomes the Turkmen Government’s multifaceted approach to advancing sustainable energy through policy reforms, improvements in energy efficiency, and fostering international partnerships. Let me take this opportunity and reaffirm the EU’s commitment to accelerating the just energy transition in Turkmenistan. Through collaborative efforts, Turkmenistan and the EU can work together to unlock the full potential of clean energy and drive positive socio-economic and environmental outcomes”.

The participants of the Conference reviewed the evolution of the EU climate change mitigation policies and practical application of EU best practices in Central Asia. They discussed the European and international experience in improving energy efficiency in buildings and industry, as well as integrated solutions for promoting renewable energy.

In addition to the Conference, a series of lectures were held for the students of higher educational institutions in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi, and the Environmental action for the schoolchildren along with the EU Award Ceremony “The Most Energy Efficient School” took place in Turkmenbashi, as part of the EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days.

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 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. Website: www.secca.eu.

UNDP project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated development of green cities in Ashgabat and Avaza”. The objective of the project is to significantly reduce the negative effects of urban growth in Turkmenistan and simultaneously achieve the goals of social and economic development. To this end, the project provides technical assistance, organizational and political support, the organization and development of programs, as well as the promotion of behavior change in combination with national priorities and specific needs formulated by the Government. The measures introduced in Ashgabat and Avaza have led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and social benefits in themselves, as well as creating the basis for replication in other regions of Turkmenistan.

The Energy Community is an international organisation which brings together the European Union and its neighbours to create an integrated pan-European energy market. Its key objective is to extend the EU internal energy market rules and principles to countries in South East Europe, the Black Sea region and beyond on the basis of a legally binding framework. The Energy Community has nine Contracting Parties: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine.

The EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days is part of the broader EU–Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of all national stakeholder groups and the broader public in the region on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan: Aygul.BASHIMOVA@eeas.europa.eu.

Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan – The European Union (EU) Award Ceremony “The Most Energy Efficient School” was held today in Turkmenbashi, as part of the EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days 2024 (SEDs).

School № 10 was recognised as the most energy efficient among the public schools of the city. The School teachers, students, parents, the representatives of the EU, the UNDP in Turkmenistan, Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, and Turkmenbashi city administration gathered at the event to celebrate the School’s achievement.

H.E. Ms Beata Peksa, EU Ambassador to Turkmenistan, said: “This European Union Award is, first and foremost, the recognition of the teachers’ invaluable contribution to developing children’s skills in careful and rational use of natural resources, and protecting the environment and the Planet. I wholeheartedly congratulate the School, its teachers and students for this outstanding achievement. Spread the word and inspire others. Tell your relatives, friends, neighbours to save energy. By using energy more efficiently, we build a brighter and healthier future for all of us”.

The Award Ceremony was followed by the environmental action for schoolchildren. It involved an introductory lecture titled “Nature is our common home”, mini-sports competitions and a bicycle ride to promote environmentally friendly mobility, and the tree planting ceremony, during which children and the esteemed guests planted trees together, thus, doing their bit to greening Turkmenistan and contributing positively to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The SEDs campaign takes place in Ashgabat and Turkmenbashi from 27 April to 3 May 2024 and aims to raise awareness on energy efficiency, renewable energy and the interlinkage between energy and climate change among the national stakeholder groups and the broader public, including youth and schoolchildren.

The events within the campaign are held by the EU through its project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated development of green cities in Ashgabat and Avaza”, and with the support of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, and Turkmenbashi city administration.

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 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. Website: www.secca.eu.

UNDP project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated development of green cities in Ashgabat and Avaza”. The objective of the project is to significantly reduce the negative effects of urban growth in Turkmenistan and simultaneously achieve the goals of social and economic development. To this end, the project provides technical assistance, organizational and political support, the organization and development of programs, as well as the promotion of behavior change in combination with national priorities and specific needs formulated by the Government. The measures introduced in Ashgabat and Avaza have led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and social benefits in themselves, as well as creating the basis for replication in other regions of Turkmenistan.

The EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days is part of the broader EU–Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of all national stakeholder groups and the broader public in the region on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan: Aygul.BASHIMOVA@eeas.europa.eu.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The Second Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of the European Union (EU) funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” convened in Astana today. Officials from the countries of Central Asia (CA), members of the PSC designated by their respective governments, and representatives of the EU gathered at the event.

The PSC meeting, convened once a year, is an important event for the stakeholders to come together and discuss the project progress and the way forward.

SECCA is a four-year project and has recently passed the midpoint of its implementation timeline. During the meeting, Team Leader Mr Paata Janelidze and Key Expert Ms Ilze Purina presented a comprehensive update on the status of project activities, highlighting achievements and outlining a work plan for the next 6-month period.

The participants discussed the provided update, expressed confidence in the SECCA’s trajectory and commended the project experts for their efforts and hard work.

Mr Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan concluded: “SECCA is successfully working in Central Asia. We highly appreciate the interest and involvement of all partners in the beneficiary countries. This PSC meeting has reaffirmed our shared dedication to building a cleaner, more connected energy future for the region”.

Meeting materials