Tashkent, Uzbekistan – The Award Ceremony to recognise the most energy efficient school of the city of Tashkent was held today. Public school №242 (School) was recognised as the most energy efficient  of the capital city.

The Award Ceremony was organised by the European Union (EU) through its project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia” (SECCA) in close cooperation with the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as part of the campaign EU–Uzbekistan Sustainable Energy Days.

The purpose of the Ceremony was to raise public awareness on importance and benefits of introducing energy efficiency and energy saving policies and practices in Uzbekistan. It was attended by representatives of the EU, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, the School, national experts of Uzbekistan and the European experts in energy efficiency and energy audit.

Mr Wim Riepma, Head of Cooperation Section of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan presented Ms Kamola Azimkhodjaeva, the School principal, a diploma and a commemorative crystal figurine, and stated:

“I wholeheartedly congratulate teachers, students, and parents of School №242 for this achievement! “The most energy efficient school” Award underscores the importance of energy conservation not only in educational institutions, but also in buildings across Uzbekistan. This accomplishment is the School’s contribution to sustainable energy transition of the country. I hope other schools will be inspired by your outstanding example, will strive to use natural resources more efficiently, save energy, and do their bit to protect the environment and climate.”

This nomination follows the research conducted by the SECCA project, which has identified the top-performing institution in terms of energy efficiency (electricity use), based on the data provided by the Agency for Strategic Reforms and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The assessment was based on evaluation of energy consumption per student. This approach reveals how the schoolchildren and teachers influence energy use and offers a panoramic view of school’s energy practices and performance, providing a foundation for targeted interventions and improvements.

School principal Ms Azimkhodjaeva has been also invited to a study tour to Europe to learn the European experience in renewable energy, energy saving, energy efficiency, and transition to sustainable energy. The study tour is scheduled to take place in November 2023 and organised by the SECCA project.

The award ceremony was followed by the workshop “Energy audits in buildings – from theory to practice” held by the EU project’s experts with the objective of sharing the knowledge, experience and best practices with Uzbek energy experts.

Background: 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.

The EU–Uzbekistan 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. Multiple events took place within this campaign in Uzbekistan, including the International Conference “Energy Efficiency in Uzbekistan: prospects and challenges”, the technical workshop “Energy audits in buildings – from theory to practice”, and other bilateral meetings and consultations.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication Strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Media Relations and Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp/Telegram: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan: delegation-uzbekistan-political@eeas.europa.eu.

Astana, Kazakhstan – A sustainable energy-themed mural was unveiled today in the presence of teachers, schoolchildren, and parents of School Lyceum №59 (School). The mural is the European Union’s (EU) present to the School in recognition of its achievements in energy saving and energy efficiency, and contributions to raising awareness on green energy among the young generation.

In fact, the School was recognised as the most energy efficient school among 100 public schools of Astana city, following the desk research conducted by the EU project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”. The Award Ceremony was held in June this year, as part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Then, H.E. Mr Kestutis Jankauskas, the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, first announced the EU’s intention to present the mural to the School.

The opening of the mural gathered the School teachers, students, parents, city representatives аnd representatives of the EU.

Ambassador Jankauskas, addressing the event attendees, stated: “It is a great pleasure and honour for me to stand in front of you at this School again. When we first met, we celebrated the School’s achievement and kicked off summer with a fun flashmob and e-scooter ride. We called for reducing the carbon emissions and saving the Earth! Today, the occasion is equally joyful. On behalf of the European Union, I am happy to present to you this mural. It is called “Sustainable Energy for a Better Future”. This particular artwork has been chosen among 40 other works submitted to the EU contest for the best mural design among citizens of Kazakhstan. I think, it was favoured by the Contest Committee not only because of its design, but most importantly the ideas behind. Personally, I see it as a call that the future of our children depends on the choices we make today. Opting for sustainable energy, cutting emissions, protecting environment are paramount for the health and happiness of all. I wholeheartedly celebrate this School, its teachers and students, for their work. Taking this opportunity, I thank the author of the mural for this artwork and the artist for reproducing it on the School façade.”

Ms Alma Zhumabekova, the School principal, said in her speech: “We are humbled by the acknowledgement from the European Union and deeply touched by this present. All of us wish that our children are healthy and have a good life, the best life. At this school, we try to foster in our students the love and respect for the nature and the Planet, as well as interest in innovations and creativity. This beautiful mural gives us incentives to continue our work.”

The mural illustrates two smiling children, a girl and a boy, on the left side, and the view of the Astana city in the future on the right side. The blue sky and white birds are symbols of clean air. Little stars spread across the picture represent aspirations for fulfilment of children’s dreams, as well as are a nod to the stars on the EU flag. The solar panels and wind turbines are the source of energy and an indispensable part of life in this future. According to Ms Zhuldyz Serikova, the author of the mural and winner of the EU contest, the boy on the picture is her nephew, and the rest of the picture is her wishful view of the future, which, she believes, her nephew and all children of Kazakhstan deserve.

The mural opening ceremony was organised by the SECCA project. One representative of the School and Ms Serikova will take part in the SECCA study tour to Europe, scheduled for November 2023, to learn the European experience in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Background: 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 Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Bishkek Kyrgyzstan – Specialists of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the State Agency for Architecture, Construction and Housing and Utilities (Gosstroy) under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic attended the technical workshop “Quality Control of Energy Performance Certificates”.

The workshop was organised jointly by the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the European Union’s SECCA project. The participants learned international experience in the legal framework and institutional arrangements regarding Energy Performance Certification (EPC) of buildings, as well as Quality Control of EPC.

Kyrgyzstan relies on oil and gas imports for more than half of its energy needs, particularly during the winter months when hydropower production is low. At the same time, according to IEA (2020), electricity consumption per capita increased by more than 45% from 2010 to 2018 in the country. Residential sector is the largest energy consuming sector[1]. Producing more energy locally and improving energy efficiency are among the Kyrgyz government’s priorities to improve the country’s energy security and reduce costs.

EPC of buildings provides information on the energy efficiency of buildings and recommendations for cost-effective improvements. In 2011, Kyrgyzstan adopted the Law “On Energy Efficiency of Buildings”. The Bylaw on Energy Performance Certification of buildings was also adopted the following year. Furthermore, there the state registries of the issued energy performance certificates and energy performance certification specialists. Since November 2021, Gosstroy has been continuously conducting qualification certification of specialists in energy certification of buildings and periodic monitoring of boilers, heating systems and hot water supply of buildings.

At present, the government aims to further improve the current system and use new construction technologies and alternative energy sources to attract investments, protect the environment and reduce harmful emissions.

During the workshop, the participants reviewed the role of EPC of buildings and current process in Kyrgyzstan with its challenges and problems. They then moved on to discuss the overall approach and main elements of quality control of EPC, also by studying the experience of EU Member States and Energy Community Contracting Parties. As quality control is one of the ways trust in this tool could be created and maintained, the discussion concluded with proposals for an improved approach to EPC quality control, its main elements and alternative options or implementation models. The SECCA project will continue working with local institutions and experts and providing technical support for the improvement of current system of EPC quality control.

[1] International Energy Agency (2020), Kyrgyz Republic Energy Profile, https://www.iea.org/reports/kyrgyzstan-energy-profile, April 2020.

Turkmenistan – SECCA Key Experts (KEs) Paata Janelidze and Ilze Purina visited Turkmenistan this week and held meetings in Ashgabat and Mary with representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Education, the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan, and the Turkmengas State Concern. Improvement of energy efficiency (EE), introduction of renewable energy (RE) sources into power generation system, possibilities for methane emissions reductions and raising public awareness on sustainable energy were the main topics of discussions.

With one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, Turkmenistan relies heavily on this resource as it covers most of the country’s energy needs, as well as its exports. Low tariffs for electricity and natural gas led to low awareness on EE. As a result, the country was ranked among top-5 most energy-intensive economies in the world in 2019.

At the same time, the country has estimated total 666 GW potential in RE. The greatest share of this potential is with the solar energy estimated at 655 GW, followed by wind and hydropower. The development of this sector, along with reduction of methane emissions (from energy, agriculture and wastes) would significantly contribute to the environmental protection and energy supply, as well as fulfilment of the country’s climate targets, i.e. achieving zero growth of greenhouse gas emissions starting in 2030, and significant reductions of emissions in the longer term.

During the visit’s first day, the project experts met with the specialists of the Ministry of Energy in Ashgabat to explore cooperation in the fields of EE and RE. They discussed the SECCA work plan for Turkmenistan, preparations for the forthcoming EU Sustainable Energy Days (SEDs) in Turkmenistan, potential technical assistance from the project, and support in drafting legal and regulatory documents.

The project experts also met with representatives of the Ministry of Education to plan out identification of the most energy efficient school of the Ashgabat city and conducting activities with schoolchildren to raise awareness on sustainable energy among the school teachers, students, parents, and the general public.

The project team spent the subsequent two days in Mary, where, Mr Janelidze, Ms Purina and Ms Jemal Durdykova, expert of the UNDP project “Sustainable Cities in Turkmenistan: Integrated Green Urban Development in Ashgabat and Avaza” met the management of the State Energy Institute (Institute) and the Scientific-Production Centre under the Institute. Discussions covered the Institute’s activities, including green hydrogen initiatives, the need for SECCA’s technical assistance, and the SEDs programme. The SECCA KEs and the UNDP expert also addressed approximately 150 senior students from the Institute, delivering presentations integrated energy and climate planning, RE/EE project cycle, climate finance, and on municipal solid waste-to-energy projects. The Institute specialists, in turn, demonstrated their pilot energy projects.

The next day, the technical workshop “Study of international experience in development of regulatory legal acts and regulatory and technical documents in the field of energy saving and EE” was jointly organised with the UNDP project for the teachers and professors of the Institute. SECCA presented on two topics: (i) Renewable Energy in Central Asia: Possible Small and Medium Scale Solutions; (ii) Experience of holding Sustainable Energy Days in Central Asia.

Upon returning to Ashgabat, the team met with the Turkmengas State Concern to discuss Turkmenistan’s accession to the Global Methane Pledge, which is on the country’s political agenda, and explored possible solutions to address the issue of the Darvaza crater.

On the final day of the visit, the team reconvened with the Ministry of Energy to inform on the visit’s outcomes. In the afternoon, SECCA participated in the 6th meeting of the Development Partners Climate Group, co-organised by the UNDP and the British Embassy, presenting its activities in Turkmenistan.

Recognizing that the Turkmen Government has undertaken first important steps towards transition to a more sustainable energy system, now is the prime moment for the key stakeholders, both national and international, to act and step up cooperation. Turkmenistan already adopted the Law on Renewable Energy Sources in 2021 with a focus on development of RE and provision of major incentives for RE projects, whereas a new Law on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving is currently under consideration of the Parliament of Turkmenistan. Moreover, the Government intends to continue exploring green and blue hydrogen production possibilities in the country. The European Union welcomes these initiatives and stands ready, through its SECCA project, to support Turkmenistan’s aspirations and targets on the path to sustainable energy transition and sustainable development.

Astana, Kazakhstan – Representatives of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, national line ministries and government agencies, the European Union (EU), international organisations and partners, national and international experts, business and non-governmental organisations attended the II Political Dialogue “Global Methane Pledge: World Experience and Kazakhstan”.

The Policy Dialogue was organised jointly by the Committee on Ecology and Nature Management of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Ecology and  Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the REC “Green Academy”, with the support of the EU, USAID, and EBRD.

The purposes of this meeting were to discuss the international experience of joining Global Methane Pledge (GMP), the results of a country capacity assessment carried out by national and international experts, and the development of recommendations to Kazakhstan ahead of the upcoming 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28).

Led by the United States and the EU, GMP was launched at COP 26 in November 2021 in Glasgow. Its overall goal is to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030. Meeting the GMP target has the potential to make an enormous impact on climate change. It is particularly important to act in the period up to 2030, as sharp cuts in methane can deliver a net cooling effect within a relatively short period. This could keep the door open to a 1.5°C stabilisation in global average temperatures (IEA, 2022). More than 150 countries, signatories to the Paris Agreement, have already joined the GMP.

In Kazakhstan, methane emissions amounted to 2 million 400 thousand tons or 17.6% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2021. The country’s energy sector is responsible for 49.5% of it, this contribution having increased sharply compared to 30.6% in 2020 (Green Academy, IGTIPC, 2023). Reduction of these emissions is considered in the updated Nationally Determined Contributions of Kazakhstan (NDC) submitted in June 2023, and certain actions have already been undertaken by the Government.

Accession to GMP would enable Kazakhstan to achieve its climate goals, mitigate climate change, prevent environmental degradation, introduce new technologies, as well as to access climate finance.

The EU’s SECCA project will provide support by conducting an analysis of the methane emissions by sectors for 1990-2021, developing of scenarios of changes in methane emissions up to 2030, taking into account NDС. At the meeting, SECCA Team Leader Paata Janelidze presented on the priorities and implementation of GMP in Central Asia.

Following the discussion, the participants presented draft recommendations to the Government of Kazakhstan to achieve climate neutrality by 2060. These recommendations include scaling and decentralisation of renewable energy sources, introduction of Best Available Techniques and Strategic Environmental Assessment mechanisms, support and stimulation of transition of transport from diesel fuel to electricity, improvement of GHG emissions monitoring system, introduction of transparent and effective emissions trading system (ETS) and its integration into international ETS (EU), development of hydrogen, bio and other alternative energy to ensure the country’s energy security.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The national experts of Kazakhstan on energy efficiency and energy saving attended a technical workshop “Quality Control of Energy Audits for the Industry” organised jointly by the EU’s SECCA project and the Electric Power and Energy-Saving Development Institute (EEDI) of Kazakhstan.

The SECCA project has established cooperation with EEDI in summer 2023 with an overall objective to introduce an improved energy audits quality control system for the industry in Kazakhstan.

Energy audits are an essential tool to achieve energy savings. They assess the existing energy consumption and identify ways to improve energy efficiency (EE). Properly conducted energy audits result in a list of recommendations for sustainable and efficient energy use, which has many benefits for industry, as well as populations and the environment around. It helps industrial enterprises become less energy- and resource-intensive, thus decreasing production costs and increasing performance and profitability. It fosters innovation and investments, increasing a company’s comparative advantage on the market. Last but not least, EE significantly reduces harmful emissions, which cause climate change and degradation of human health and the environment.

SECCA’s Senior expert in Energy auditing Mr Karolis Januševičius has been assigned to map out the country’s existing energy audit quality control system and identify possible gaps and improvement opportunities. He reported on initial findings at the workshop: “Kazakhstan’s energy audit system for industry is noteworthy, standing as one of the most advanced in the region. However, the untapped potential exists to elevate the quality of these audits even further, and it is the right time to take action. Doing so could unlock greater value for the industrial sector and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic and energy goals. It’s encouraging to see that EEDI take a proactive approach by exploring and adapting EU and Energy Community best practices to enrich the local context”.

Based on the experience and best practices of the EU and Energy Community countries and by involving the local experts of EEDI, the SECCA project aims to contribute to the improvement of the quality assurance system for energy audits in industry.

During the workshop, the participants discussed key elements of a quality management system, value delivered through energy audits, the initial assessment of strengths and weaknesses of the current quality control of energy audits in Kazakhstan, potential changes to the current setup and potential barriers and solutions for implementing proposed improvements.

The workshop agenda is available here.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – More than 100 stakeholders, energy policymakers, representatives of academia and civil society from the Republic of Uzbekistan, the European Union (EU) and its Member States, as well as international financial institutions gathered at the International Conference “Energy Efficiency in Uzbekistan: prospects and challenges” (Conference).

The Conference was organised jointly by the Agency for Strategic Reforms (ASR) under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the EU-funded SECCA project as part of the European Union – Uzbekistan Sustainable Energy Days 2023. It aimed at providing an action-oriented forum for decision-makers to share experiences in the implementation of energy efficiency policies in practice.

Energy efficiency has many economic, social and environmental benefits. It is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change and reduce harmful to human health and quality of life emissions and pollutants. Improved energy efficiency will also lower utility bills for people, businesses, and industry, and provide new job and economic opportunities for the population.

Current subsidised energy tariffs in Uzbekistan do not encourage residential and industrial consumers to improve energy efficiency, even though it would make economic sense (IEA, 2022). Nevertheless, the energy sector transformation included in the Uzbek government’s structural and institutional reform package, introduced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is encouraging. Currently, the government is revising policies and implementation mechanisms to promote end-use energy efficiency. Therefore, now is the right time to discuss with key national stakeholders, international donors, and partners the way forward.

Addressing the participants of the Conference, H.E. Ms Charlotte Adriaen, EU Ambassador to Uzbekistan, stated: “To meet the Paris Agreement targets, energy efficiency needs to be prioritised. By using energy more efficiently and consuming less, we can considerably help protect the environment, mitigate negative effects of climate change and enhance energy security. Uzbekistan is implementing a wide-range energy sector reform to promote energy efficiency and scale up clean and renewable energy. The EU welcomes Uzbekistan’s commitments and achievements in transition to sustainable energy and applauds the Uzbek government and Uzbek people for the progress with reforming the energy sector made so far. We encourage Uzbekistan to continue its endeavours on paving the way to green transition.”

In turn, Mr Shukhrat Vafayev, Director General of the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, noted: “Several important documents have been adopted: in 2019 we adopted the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On the use of renewable energy sources” and “On public-private partnership”, in 2020 the Law “On the rational use of energy” in a new version. We also ratified the Paris Agreement and adopted several Government Resolutions regulating work in this area. Our goal is to increase energy efficiency throughout the country by 20% by 2026 and 1.5 times by 2030. We also aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2026 and to ensure that 14 GW of new renewable energy facilities are put into operation by 2030. The experience of the European Union in the field of energy efficiency is a striking example, which we can apply in Uzbekistan”.

During the Conference, the participants discussed overall policy and legal framework for the promotion of end-use energy efficiency, data collection on energy consumption, energy audits in industry, energy efficiency in residential and public buildings, and other topics, and agreed to work together to develop and implement sustainable energy policies and projects in Uzbekistan.

Background: 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.

The EU – Uzbekistan 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 Uzbekistan: delegation-uzbekistan@eeas.europa.eu.

Conference videos

Astana, Kazakhstan – Mr Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission for Inter-institutional Relations and Foresight awarded the winners of the European Union (EU) contests #Reels4SustainableEnergy and for the best Sustainable Energy Mural Design, and announced the main prize – a study tour to Europe to learn about the European experience in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable energy transition (to be organised by the EU-funded SECCA project tentatively in autumn 2023).

Addressing the participants of the Conference and the contestants, Vice-President Šefčovič reiterated the EU support and stated: It is always a pleasure to see such innovation and creativity, especially when it comes to a topic as important as sustainable energy – a key solution to tackling climate change. Efforts to raise awareness, such as the Sustainable Energy Days are instrumental in motivating citizens in acting together for the green transition. We need engagement for all, and not least the younger generation, to succeed in saving our planet.”

The EU’s regional contest #Reels4SustainableEnergy among university students, young researchers and young professionals in the area of engineering, energy, environment or climate studies from Central Asia was organized by the SECCA project with the aim to promote the environmental and economic benefits of saving energy, facilitate energy efficiency, increase public awareness on the need to scale up the use of renewable energy, and to foster creative capacity of young people. A total of 67 reels from all over the region were published on Instagram and 6 winners of the reels contest were awarded:

I prize: Rakhmangylych Annageldyyew, Centre for Sustainable Development, Energy, and Water Diplomacy, Institute of International Relations (Turkmenistan)

II prize: Aisuluu Kolbaeva, Snow Leopard Foundation (Kyrgyzstan) and Aruzhan Yerzhanova, CATEK Green Energy LLP (Kazakhstan)

III prize: Arman Makhambetov, JSC “KEGOC” (Kazakhstan), Mukhit Askaruly, Al-Farabi Kazakh National university (Kazakhstan), and Darkhan Zhaliyev, JSC “Intergas Central Asia” (Kazakhstan).

The purposes of the EU’s contest for the best mural design in Kazakhstan called “Sustainable Energy for a Better Future”, also organized by SECCA, were to raise awareness of the need to switch to green energy and energy efficiency, create understanding of sustainable energy concept and promote creative growth of talented artists and their involvement in the formation of the capital city’s positive image, taking into account current climate advocacy trends. 40 works were received from the contestants, and 2 winners were announced after careful evaluation:

I prize: Zhuldyz Serikova and II prize: Medgat Mussayev (Kazakhstan).

The work of Zhuldyz Serikova will be reproduced on the wall of the School-Lyceum №59, the most energy efficient school of the city of Astana, as identified based on the desk research of the SECCA project among 100 public schools of the capital city.

The Award Ceremony was held as part of the International Conference “Sustainable energy in Kazakhstan: prospects and challenges” organised within the 1st EU – Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days.

Background: The Conference “Sustainable energy in Kazakhstan: prospects and challenges” was part of the III International Congress “Carbon Neutrality Pathways” (Congress) organised by the Association of Regional Environmental Initiatives “Ecojer” in close cooperation with the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia” (SECCA) and with the support of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan. More than 70 high-level officials from the Republic of Kazakhstan and the European Union (EU), sustainable energy experts, representatives of civil society, business, and international financial institutions attended the event.

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 Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

The Award Ceremony video

The video of first prize winner of the regional EU contest #Reels4SustainableEnergy 

The designs of winners of the EU contest in Kazakhstan for the best mural design:

The Award Ceremony photographs

Astana, Kazakhstan – The Award Ceremony to recognise the most energy efficient school of the city of Astana was held today. School Lyceum №59 was recognised as the most energy efficient among 100 public schools of the capital city.

The Ceremony was organised by European Union through its project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia” (SECCA) together with the city of Astana as part of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days and marked the International Children’s Day. The event was attended by the teachers, students, parents, city representatives as well as the Ambassadors of the European Union and the EU Member States.

H.E. Mr Kestutis Jankauskas, the EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan, awarded the school with the prize together with Mr Bagdat Baisadikov, the Deputy Head of the Department of the Fuel and Energy Complex of the Astana City Mayor’s Office.

Addressing the participants, Ambassador Jankauskas stated: “The most energy efficient school” award is a remarkable achievement of your school! Congratulations! Well done the school, teachers, children and their parents! I hope you will inspire other schools to follow you to make life greener and the environment healthier. It is a great contribution to Kazakhstan’s journey towards green economy. The European Union is your partner on this exciting journey!”.

After the award ceremony, the students of the school took part in a flash mob on electric scooters under the slogan “Reduce Carbon Emissions, Save the Planet!”. The purpose of the flashmob was to draw attention to the high greenhouse gas emissions produced by the transport, which leads to the deterioration of the environment, climate and consequently human health, and to inspire people to choose more environmentally friendly means of transportation.

One representative of the school was also invited to the EU study tour to Europe, which is scheduled to take place preliminarily in autumn 2023, to learn the European experience and best practices on promotion of sustainable energy. Furthermore, the EU will present the school a mural (monumental wall painting), which will be selected as a result of the EU competition for the best mural design in Kazakhstan “Sustainable Energy for a Better Future”.

The EU Sustainable Energy Days are being held in Kazakhstan and all countries of Central Asia to raise awareness among all national stakeholder groups and the general public about the importance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy.

Background: 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 Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.