Tashkent, Uzbekistan – About 30 senior students from school №242 of the Tashkent city took part in the STEM4Her guided tour at the Turin Polytechnic University. The event was organised with the support of the European Union (EU), as part of the EU–Uzbekistan Sustainable Energy Days.

In 2023, School №242 was officially recognised by the EU as Tashkent’s Most Energy-Efficient School, making it a natural choice to engage in this career development and sustainability-focused initiative. The STEM4Her event was specifically designed to spark interest among young learners, especially girls, in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and the clean energy field. Uzbekistan shows a steady increase in the share of girls in STEM, which rose to 40.2 percent in 2021, as the national Agency of Statistics reports. However, women participation in the energy sector remains low – they represent only 12% of the workforce.

Addressing the participants, Mr Christos Marazopoulos, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, said: “The STEM4Her event embodies the belief that empowering girls in STEM is key to achieving sustainable development and building a more innovative and green future. The EU is proud to support such initiatives that inspire girls to pursue their passion in the fields that are still often perceived as fit only for men. I encourage you to break this stereotype and bring your fresh vision to STEM and the energy sector.”

During the event, the schoolchildren toured the University’s modern facilities and laboratories, getting first-hand exposure to research and innovation. Participants also engaged in an interactive session with successful female professionals, University leadership, and female students, learning from their experiences in advancing sustainable energy, science, and research in Uzbekistan. The event concluded with a lively quiz to test students’ newly-gained knowledge in an engaging way.

Following the STEM4Her event, participants attended the inauguration of the photo exhibition “The European Union – Uzbekistan: Faces of Sustainable Energy Development Cooperation”, showcasing inspiring portraits of individuals driving the energy transition across Central Asia. The event programme also featured the presentation of certificates from the EU’s Regional Media Contest “Energy Transition for a Better Tomorrow”, held between 15 April and 14 May 2025. Among over 120 participating journalists, Doniyor Tukhsinov from Kun.uz received the third prize, while Aizada Amangeldiyeva from Anhor.uz was awarded a special diploma by the contest jury. This ceremony highlighted the vital role of media in raising public awareness about sustainable development.

The Sustainable Energy Days campaign and its events were organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”.

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

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

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

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – The Regional Conference on Energy Labelling took place on 21-22 October 2025 in a hybrid format, bringing together representatives of line ministries and enforcement authorities from Central Asia, as well as energy efficiency experts from the European Union (EU) and its Member States, to exchange best practices on implementing energy labelling regulations. The Conference was organised by the EU-funded Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) project.

Energy labelling aims to improve the energy efficiency of products, reduce their overall environmental impact, and provide consumers with transparent information allowing them to select more energy-efficient products. It plays a vital role in the EU’s energy efficiency policy, driving the shift toward more efficient technologies.

The first day of the conference focused on the legal and regulatory aspects of energy labelling. Presentations from Niels Ladefoged (Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission) and Linda Rinkule (SECCA) highlighted how the EU system advances energy efficiency and sustainability. Representatives from the Central Asian countries – Farhad Mukanov (Committee of Industry of Kazakhstan), Nazgul Serkebaeva (Kyrgyzstandard), Ravshan Ibragimov (Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan), and Fitratullo Nabiyev (National Agency for Energy Efficiency of Uzbekistan) – shared progress updates and experiences in developing their national frameworks. Discussions also explored the role of digitalisation, including the use of the EPREL database, QR codes, and digital product passports, in improving compliance and consumer access to information.

On the second day, the discussion shifted to the implementation and enforcement of energy labelling measures. Ivars Jornins (Consumer Rights Protection Centre of Latvia) provided insights into the energy labelling enforcement in e-commerce, while Rasmus Borup (Danish Technological Institute) presented on testing of household appliances. Nurbek Kazbek (Ministry of Trade and Integration of  the Republic of Kazakhstan) and Elmira Baigaziyeva (Kyrgyzstandart) spoke of the implementation of energy labelling in their respective countries. Through presentations by Linda Rinkule (SECCA), participants examined market surveillance mechanisms and cooperation between market surveillance authorities and customs in import controls.

The event concluded with a technical visit to Uzbekistan’s conformity assessment laboratory, illustrating the country’s growing institutional capacity in the energy efficiency domain.

The Regional Conference reaffirmed the commitment of Central Asian countries to advancing energy efficiency and sustainability, and the EU’s continued support for the region in its transition towards sustainable energy.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – On 16 October 2025, the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic hosted the second meeting of the Inter-Institutional Working Group (IIWG) on the implementation of mechanisms for the operation of energy service companies (ESCOs).

As during the first meeting of the IWG on ESCOs held in September, the main focus was on creating conditions for the introduction of energy performance contracts (EPCs) and the development of the ESCO market in Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting was opened by Talgat Asan uulu, Head of the Renewable Energy Development Department at the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, and Paata Janelidze, Team Leader of the European Union-funded SECCA Project.

Key presentations were given by Nicolae Zaharia, SECCA expert on ESCOs, who examined the following issues in detail:

• objectives of a standard EPC contract and which sections are recommended for the Kyrgyz Republic
• the development of an energy savings measurement and verification (M&V) system
• methodology for calculating energy savings and general principles for formulating ESCO policy in regulatory acts
• Uzbekistan’s experience in developing the ESCO market.

In conclusion, the experts exchanged opinions and suggestions and agreed to continue working together on further development of the energy services market in Kyrgyzstan.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – Over 30 senior students of school №65 of the Bishkek city participated in the STEM4Her event. It was organised with the support of the European Union (EU), as part of the EU–Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days.

As the name suggests, the STEM4Her event was primarily aimed at the senior schoolgirls. At the event, they joined discussions with role models from the energy sector about education and careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and energy. Women leaders, including Nurzat Abdyrasulova, President of UNISON Group, and Eleonora Kazakova, Chairperson of the “Renewable Energy Sources in the Kyrgyz Republic” Association, and Ilze Purina, the EU-funded SECCA Project Key Expert in Energy Governance, shared their stories of breaking barriers and building careers in sustainable energy. Taalaibek Mambetaliev, Deputy Director General of the Chakan Small Hydropower Plant, presented about the work of the plant and how water generates clean energy.

School №65 was awarded the title of the Most Energy-Efficient School in 2023 by the EU, making it a fitting participant.

Hans Farnhammer, Chargé d’affaires of the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, remarked: “Initiatives like STEM4Her empower girls and invest in future female leaders who will drive innovation and the green transition. Energy is not just about technology – it is about people, ideas, and opportunities. The EU is proud to support the energy sector in Central Asia with our flagship regional projects Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant and SECCA, and making sure that women will be part of work force of the energy sector in the future”.

Currently, women account for about 30-40% of STEM graduates but make up only 18% of the energy sector workforce in Kyrgyzstan. The event increased the girls’ awareness about clean energy and encouraged them to imagine their futures in STEM. It ended with a lively STEM4Her quiz, where the girls tested their knowledge of sustainable energy and celebrated the winners with prizes and group photos.

The event was organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”.

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – The European Union – Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days (SEDs) 2025 officially launched today in Bishkek. Organised annualy since 2023 by the EU-funded SECCA project, the event brought together state partners, representatives of academia, business, and media to celebrate achievements and partnerships advancing Kyrgyzstan’s green energy transition.

The event opened with the official handover of the Karakol-1 Small Hydropower Plant (SHPP) Pre-Feasibility Study from the SECCA project to the Green Energy Fund under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic. Developed at the Fund’s request, the study represents a key step toward expanding renewable energy generation in Kyrgyzstan and promoting sustainable hydropower development.

The event then followed with the celebration of the winner of the EU’s regional media contest “Energy Transition for a Better Tomorrow” – Kyrgyz photojournalist Vlad Ushakov from photo.kg who received the 1st prize. The contest, organised by SECCA between April and May 2025, attracted more than 200 submissions from over 120 journalists across Central Asia.

The launch also featured the opening of the photo exhibition “The European Union – Kyrgyzstan: Faces of Sustainable Energy Development Cooperation.” The exhibition presents the stories and portraits of leading Kyrgyz experts, educators, and policymakers contributing to a more sustainable and greener future. The Kyrgyz edition was complemented by a regional video presentation featuring 38 inspiring individuals from all five Central Asian countries.

Tomorrow, on 15 October 2025, SEDs will continue with an interactive STEM4Her event at Bishkek’s most energy-efficient School №65.

The EU–Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days 2025 embody the spirit of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy, and Climate Change in Central Asia, and promote regional cooperation, clean energy innovation, and sustainable development.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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