After four years of successful work, the European Union-funded SECCA project nears completion and is proudly summarising its achievements in each Central Asian country. Implemented as part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the SECCA project has conducted comprehensive and targeted activities to promote a sustainable energy mix in five Central Asian countries in line with EU best practice. SECCA concludes its work on 31 May 2026.

Since 2022, working in close cooperation with national strategic partners, the project has played a significant role in advancing the green energy transition, contributing to shaping of a more sustainable and secure energy future in the countries of the region.

SECCA has supported scaling up of renewable energy and energy efficiency deployment, strengthened regional cooperation and connectivity, as well as introduced integrated approach to energy and climate planning. The project has contributed to improving the regulatory framework, raising awareness about sustainable energy and advancing the principles of gender equality and social inclusion. Furthermore, it has placed strong emphasis on capacity building of national energy professionals in areas such as energy statistics, energy audits, energy modelling, energy labelling, and other.

The project team, including our Team Leader Paata Janelidze and Key Expert on Energy Sector Governance Ilze Purina, along with all Senior and Junior Project Experts, would like to express their sincere gratitude to the political stakeholders, national strategic partners, and the agencies, institutions and experts who have worked closely with the SECCA project throughout these four years. The partners’ dedication, inner strength, and openness to cooperation have been key to the SECCA project’s success.

To highlight the main results of its activities, the project has released a new overview video. It is available both in English and Russian. We hope you enjoy it!

Finally, please note that the project website https://secca.eu/ will remain operational until 30 April 2028, providing access to the project’s materials, results, and outputs.

The video about SECCA results in English:

The video about SECCA results in Russian:

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – On 29 April 2026, the European Union-funded SECCA project held a Closing Roundtable in Ashgabat and presented its key achievements and lessons learned from project implementation in Turkmenistan. The event brought together key national partners, including representatives of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, their affiliated institutions, specialists of the State Electric Power Corporation “Turkmenenergo”, as well as faculty members and students from universities, representatives of the EU Delegation to Turkmenistan, and experts from the UNDP project “Developing National Capacity of Turkmenistan through Improving Regulatory Environment towards Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building Sector (TEESB)” and the EU project “EU4SustainableCentralAsia: Renewable Energy in Central Asia (EURECA)”.

The discussion was formally opened by Amanmyrat Arazov, Head of the Academic Department at the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction; Enejan Kakayeva, Head of the Production and Technical Administration of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan; and H.E. Beata Pęksa, EU Ambassador in Turkmenistan.

Key project experts Paata Janelidze and Ilze Purina, along with National Coordinator Atamuhamet Sariyev, then presented the outcomes of SECCA’s work in Turkmenistan. These included progress in developing and improving policy and regulatory frameworks, integrated energy and climate planning, promoting green and sustainable construction, facilitating investment in renewable energy, strengthening EU–Turkmenistan cooperation on sustainable energy and the green transition, and advancing scientific collaboration under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. The experts also reported on awareness-raising activities carried out as part of the annual campaign “EU–Turkmenistan Sustainable Energy Days”, which targeted the general public – including women, youth, and children – on sustainable energy, its benefits, and its interlinkage with climate. It is noteworthy that this campaign took place in Ashgabat, Mary, and Turkmenbashi between 2023 and 2025.

Following the presentation, roundtable participants discussed indicative plans for future cooperation. Turkmenistan and the EU reaffirmed their commitment to continuing joint efforts toward Turkmenistan’s sustainable development and clean energy transition, in line with the country’s national priorities.

This roundtable concluded the SECCA project’s final mission to Turkmenistan, which took place from 22 to 29 April 2026. Earlier, the project, together with TEESB, organised a series of training workshops on sustainable energy.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – On 22, 23, and 28 April 2026, the European Union-funded SECCA project and UNDP/GEF Project in Turkmenistan “Developing National Capacity of Turkmenistan through Improving Regulatory Environment towards Energy Efficient and Sustainable Building Sector (TEESB)” organised a series of training workshops in the Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction aimed at sharing international experience in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green construction.

These events took place as part of SECCA’s final mission and closing activities in Turkmenistan. Over 80 participants representing the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, State Electric Power Corporation “Turkmenenergo”, as well as faculty members and students of the country’s higher educational institutions attended the workshops.

Four workshops were held under the following topics:

1. “Studying international practice in developing regulatory and legal documentation for the introduction of innovative energy efficiency technologies in the construction sector”
2. “Studying international practice in the implementation of energy-efficient technologies in the construction sector”
3. “Studying the applicability of energy efficiency technologies in residential and public buildings in the climatic conditions of Turkmenistan”
4. “Opportunities for the development of renewable energy in Turkmenistan. Solar energy potential. Opportunities and challenges”.

At the workshops, participants explored, in particular, the experience of various countries, including the EU, in integrating innovative energy-efficient and renewable energy technologies into residential and public buildings, as well as Turkmenistan’s potential for developing renewable energy. SECCA’s Key Experts also presented on the deployment of small-scale solar technologies in the residential sector across Central Asia, provided an overview of energy-efficient building certification systems, and shared information on opportunities for scientific collaboration under the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.

In addition, a practical intensive titled “Green Cities and Young Minds” was organised, bringing together young professionals from the NGO “Young Naturalists” and students from eight universities: Turkmen State Institute of Architecture and Construction; Yagshygeldi Kakayev International Oil and Gas University; International University for Humanities and Development; Myrat Garryyev State Medical University of Turkmenistan; Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan; Magtymguly Turkmen State University; Dovletmammet Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages; and Oguzhan Engineering and Technology University of Turkmenistan. This intensive featured interactive sessions with short expert talks on global trends in sustainable urban development, simulation games on managing urban resources (water, energy, and waste), and a practical segment, in which participants were tasked with developing a “Green District” concept incorporating renewable energy, zero-waste systems, and inclusive spaces. The programme concluded with an awards ceremony for the winners of the “My Sustainable Eco-City” competition.

Overall, these joint activities by the SECCA and TEESB projects helped expand participants’ theoretical knowledge and strengthen their practical skills, and contribute to the further advancement of sustainable energy in Turkmenistan.

If energy connectivity is reduced to MWh traded, it has already failed as a policy concept – slipping into purely speculative market activity.

Its real value lies in coordination: shared data, aligned assumptions, joint priorities, and the ability to act together across borders.

True connectivity means building a common strategic language – one that allows countries not just to exchange energy, but to design sustainable futures together. Modelling plays a critical role here: not to predict, but to make choices visible, comparable, and negotiable. It turns complexity into something stakeholders can collectively understand – and shape.

How did we get there? A structured, stepwise approach

We began with the fundamentals: establishing a common methodological understanding and framework, along with a shared data foundation – collecting, harmonising, and analysing sector-level information.

From there, we moved toward a system perspective, explicitly representing the key drivers and inter-dependencies that shape energy and climate outcomes.

Next came scenario design – exploring different combinations of policies, goals, and uncertainties to understand possible pathways and trade-offs at the country level. During this phase, young professionals developed their own analytical tools, applying newly acquired knowledge while embedding their understanding of national systems and strategic priorities.

Finally, we moved into the supranational dimension – testing national strategies against a regional perspective to identify opportunities for dialogue, alignment, and joint action.

This process – developed and applied across Central Asia – goes beyond technical modelling. It strengthens a shared sense of regional connectivity among Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, while also building bridges with the European Union through aligned methodologies and continuous dialogue on integrated energy and climate strategies.

At its core, this approach is about the democratisation of strategic thinking in the energy and climate sector – expanding the number of people able to engage with complex policy questions, access common methods, and actively contribute to decision-making.

This is my main takeaway from the project, and a legacy I hope will continue to inform and shape future work in the region.

I am grateful to the core project team for their continuous support and for sharing this vision, ambition, and effort.

Rocco De Miglio
SECCA Energy Sector Modelling Expert

Astana, Kazakhstan – On 7 April 2026, the European Union-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” organised the fourth and final Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting. Held in a hybrid format, this closing event brought together officials from Central Asian countries – members of the PSC designated by their respective governments, representatives of the European Union and its projects. The event marked the culmination of four years of regional cooperation aimed at advancing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy policies in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Participants gathered to celebrate achievements, reflect on lessons learned, and explore pathways for continued collaboration beyond the project’s conclusion.

Mr Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, remarked in his opening statement: “The SECCA project has delivered solid results. It has strengthened the regional dialogue and improved cooperation between countries. It supported national institutions and helped improve policies and regulatory frameworks. It has also encouraged cooperation between governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society, including more gender-inclusive approaches. As we near the end of the project, today is a good moment to take stock of what has been achieved and to look ahead. I would like to thank all partners for their work and cooperation over these years. Your contribution has been key to the SECCA’s success.”

The representatives of national stakeholders – Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, and Agency for Strategic Development and Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan – then took the floor, greeted the participants on behalf of their respective countries, and expressed appreciation for the SECCA project’s tailored technical assistance, targeted initiatives, consultations, and analytical work.

SECCA Key Experts Paata Janelidze and Ilze Purina then presented on the project outcomes, focusing on the work done to enhance regulatory frameworks, promote climate and energy planning, develop energy services market, energy audits, quality control of energy performance certificates of buildings, as well as deploy rooftop solar, small-scale hydropower energy projects and e-mobility projects, and other. They shared about the project efforts to strengthen capacities of beneficiary countries’ research and academic institutions for more active participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and enhanced research cooperation between the EU and Central Asia. The experts also highlighted the work dedicated to raising awareness about the importance and benefits of sustainable energy among the stakeholders and general public, including women and youth, achieved through various events and activities, and most importantly through “The European Union – Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days” campaigns conducted regionally and nationally and the “Energiya Joly” Podcast.

While SECCA formally draws to a close in May 2026, participants emphasised that it represents not an endpoint but a foundation for continued cooperation. With growing momentum toward renewable energy and carbon footprint reduction targets, Central Asia and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Astana, Kazakhstan – The European Union-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” held a Closing Roundtable in Astana on 7 April 2026. The event gathered representatives of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Bureau of National Statistics of the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Institute for the Development of Electric Power Industry and Energy Saving, the European Union (EU), the EU projects, and ECOJER Association.

Opening the Roundtable, Dr Johannes Baur, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan, said: “The European Union and Kazakhstan have built a strong partnership over the years. Sustainable energy is an important part of this cooperation. We share the objective of a cleaner, more secure, and more efficient energy system. SECCA has contributed to this effort. It has supported policy development, strengthened institutions, and promoted practical solutions in renewable energy and energy efficiency. It has also helped connect public authorities, experts, academia, and the private sector.”

Ms Baltugan Tazhmakina, Deputy Director of the Department of Renewable Energy Development at Ministry of Energy, in her opening speech expressed gratitude for the project’s contribution to green energy transition of Kazakhstan, and presented a “Letter of Appreciation” signed by the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the project management.

SECCA experts Mr Paata Janelidze, Ms Ilze Purina, and Mr Zhaxylyk Tokayev then delivered a presentation on the project work in Kazakhstan, outlining main approaches, activities, and results. During its four-year implementation period, the project has provided a targeted policy advice, capacity-building and analytical support to Kazakhstan, thus contributing to strengthened regulatory framework, informed energy planning, improved decision-making for energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment.

Working closely with national partners, SECCA enhanced capacities of national energy professionals in energy statistics, energy audit, energy labelling, and other. The project conducted an assessment of biomass potential, developed recommendations for the development of the system of presuming, small hydropower, and geothermal energy production. Furthermore, the SECCA experts consulted on reduction of methane emissions, providing an analysis of past and future emissions scenarios, and the impact of EU methane regulations on export from Kazakhstan.

The SECCA presentation also highlighted the work dedicated to enhancing capacities of universities and research institutions for effective participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe programme. Last but not least, the experts reported on the activities aimed at raising awareness among the general public, including women, youth, and children, about importance and benefits of sustainable energy, and its interlinkage with climate. This work was conducted primarily within the framework of the EU–Kazakhstan Sustainable Energy Days campaigns, as well as through a SECCA-produced podcast “Energiya Joly”.

Following that, Ms Bettina Loewentraut-Duran, Deputy Programme Manager of the regional project “EU4SustainableCentral Asia: Renewable Energy in Central Asia (EURECA)”, spoke of this project’s current activities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The participants then discussed future opportunities for cooperation, with both the EU and Kazakhstan reaffirming their commitment to continued cooperation for sustainable development and green energy transition of Kazakhstan.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – On 25 March 2026, the Ministry of Justice of Turkmenistan registered the “Fire Safety Regulations for Energy Enterprises”. These regulations were developed on the basis of the “Recommendations on Fire Safety at Energy Enterprises”, prepared within the framework of the European Union-funded SECCA project, in accordance with the Laws of Turkmenistan “On Electric Power Industry” and “On Fire Safety”.

These Regulations aim at ensuring fire safety at operating energy facilities of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and establish key requirements for the safe operation of power plants, grid facilities, and auxiliary infrastructure.

The document defines the main organisational measures, including the allocation of responsibilities for fire safety, the establishment of fire-technical commissions and voluntary fire brigades, as well as the implementation of a strict fire safety regime on enterprise premises. Particular attention is given to regular inspections of equipment and fire suppression systems.

A separate section is devoted to personnel training. The document provides for mandatory employee training, briefings, fire drills, and knowledge assessments to ensure personnel readiness to respond in emergency situations.

In addition, the document regulates the development of internal documentation, including fire safety instructions and maintenance procedures for fire suppression and fire alarm systems, operational plans, and fire response cards. These measures ensure clear coordination of actions among personnel and services in the event of a fire.

These Regulations will help enhance the level of fire safety at energy enterprises, reduce accident risks, and contribute to the sustainable development of Turkmenistan’s energy sector.

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – On 25 March 2026, the Ministry of Justice of Turkmenistan registered the “Rules for the Re-labelling of Primary Equipment at Power Plants of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan”. This regulatory document was developed on the basis of the “Recommendations for the Re-labelling of Primary Equipment at Power Plants of the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan”, prepared by the European Union-funded SECCA project. It is aimed at improving the accuracy of capacity accounting and enhancing the efficiency of managing generating assets.

The regulatory document defines the types of power plant equipment subject to re-labelling, the reasons for re-labelling, the elements of technical characteristics (technological parameters) subject to change, the forms of documentation to be prepared for re-labelling and the procedures for its preparation, coordination, and approval in cases where operating parameters are modified. Re-labelling is understood as a change in the nominal or installed capacity (output) and in elements of the equipment’s technical characteristics.

The primary energy equipment subject to re-labelling in accordance with these Recommendations includes stationary steam and hot-water boilers, stationary steam turbines and gas turbine units, electric generators of steam-turbine and gas-turbine power plants, as well as stationary power transformers.

According to the new rules, re-labelling of equipment is permitted only when justified by the results of technical inspections and testing. A multi-level approval procedure is also established, including review by the technical council of the State Corporation “Turkmenenergo”, followed by review by a special commission under the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, coordination with the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Turkmenistan, and authorisation by the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan for changes to the installed capacity of a power plant. Following this, amendments are made to the technical passport on the basis of written authorisation from the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, accompanied by the commission’s protocol.

It is expected that the implementation of this regulatory document will improve the reliability of data on generating capacities, enhance planning of equipment operation, and create conditions for the further modernisation of the country’s energy sector.

Development of Kazakhstan’s electric power sector is the topic of the new episode of the Energiya Joly podcast.

In this episode, the host and the guest discuss key infrastructure projects, new capacities, investments, as well as the role of women in the energy sector – an industry that has traditionally been considered male-dominated.

Host: Zhaksylyk Tokayev, energy and climate expert

Guest: Gulnara Bakhtybayeva, Deputy Director of the Department of Electric Power Development at the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan.

Watch the full episode here (in Russian):

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The European  Union-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” held a Closing Roundtable in Dushanbe on 4 March 2026 and presented key outcomes of and lessons learned from its activities in Tajikistan. The event gathered representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, Ministry of Economy and Trade, Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan, and other government agencies, academia and research institutions, private sector, international development partners, and international financial institutions.

Mr Manucher Safarzoda, Deputy Minister of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, and Mr Hussam Hussein, EU Attaché to the Republic of Tajikistan and Programme Manager, opened the event and welcomed the participants.

SECCA Key Experts Mr Paata Janelidze and Ms Ilze Purina took the floor to present the results of the project work in Tajikistan, focusing on main approaches, activities, and their outcomes. During its implementation period from March 2022 to May 2026, the project has provided a targeted technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building support to Tajikistan, which contributed to strengthened legal and regulatory framework and informed decision-making for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE) deployment. In particular, the SECCA project promoted the development of e-mobility and rooftop solar. It supported the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, having developed a set of proposals aimed at optimising and regulating the e-mobility sector. The project also conducted an assessment of the technical potential and economic feasibility of rooftop solar in Dushanbe.

The participants then discussed indicative plans for the further development of topics identified during the SECCA implementation, such as (i) integrated energy and climate planning; (ii) e-mobility development  (iii) promoting investments in EE and small-scale RE; (iv) development of RESCO model in Tajikistan; (v) enhancing capacity for effective participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

The Roundtable, thus, provided a platform to stakeholders to foster future cooperation and investments, and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to continuously supporting Tajikistan’s green energy transition.