Astana, Kazakhstan – Energy Week Central Asia and Caspian 2024 took place on 5-6 September 2024 in Astana, focusing on the region’s green transition, reports Astana Times. The event featured in-depth discussions on policy and regulatory frameworks, financing renewable energy, and technology-specific projects, including solar photovoltaics, storage, wind energy, green hydrogen, and hydropower. The participants underscored the region’s substantial untapped renewable energy potential and favourable conditions.

The event was attended by representatives of the governments, international and regional organisations, diplomats, and business.

Addressing the participants, Aleska Simkic, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Kazakhstan, spoke of the crucial connection between energy and climate change and the EU’s dedication to advancing clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable solutions for communities, businesses, and industries throughout Europe, Kazakhstan, and Central Asia (CA). She pointed out the severe impacts of climate change experienced in Europe and CA, such as intense fires, floods, and environmental degradation: “We have witnessed the increasing frequency and impact of extreme weather events, and this region is no exception. The urgency of the energy transition is clear”.

In 2023, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) took effect in the EU with a two-year transition period. This mechanism is designed to ensure a fair distribution of the costs associated with the global green transition.

The Ambassador said in this regard: “We hope this transition period will allow for preparation and effective application of the new conditions. As Central Asian countries adopt new economic policies, we encourage them to anticipate the requirements needed to remain competitive in the EU market and to be also interoperable with the rules of the EU market. Compatibility with the CBAM, alignment with other green deal policies, and emission trading systems will be essential. Embracing green hydrogen and following EU green trends can enhance the competitiveness of Central Asian products in the EU market. Conversely, failure to adapt may impact their competitiveness”.

The EU-funded SECCA project was represented by Zhaxylyk Tokayev, the project’s National Coordinator in Kazakhstan, at the event. He presented on the development of renewable energy in the EU, as well as SECCA’s work in the CA region on improvement of energy efficiency and development of small renewable energy projects.

Astana, Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan appointed Ms Malika Tazhmuratova as a National Contact Point (NCP) for the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme cluster 5, which focuses on “Climate, Energy and Mobility”. Ms Tazhmuratova is the country manager at the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). As the NCP, she will serve as a primary point of contact for inquiries related to participation in the Horizon Europe initiatives and projects in the areas of climate change, sustainable energy, and sustainable mobility.

The EU’s SECCA project assists Kazakhstan and other countries of Central Asia to create pre-conditions and build capacities for more active participation in the Horizon Europe programme. It  has been working closely with the Science Fund of Kazakhstan to establish this NCP and will provide capacity building support to Ms Tazhmuratova to ensure she can effectively fulfil her role.

The network of NCPs is the main structure to provide guidance, practical information and assistance on all aspects of participation in Horizon Europe, including choosing the relevant topics and types of action, advising on administrative and contractual matters, training and assistance in proposal writing, assistance in partner search, and so on.

For contact details of Ms Tazhmuratova, please visit this page.

Kazakhstan – More than 350 representatives of line Ministries and local government bodies, principals of public schools and representatives of business attended the regional workshops on energy efficiency (EE), which were held in Aktau, Shymkent, and Turkestan from 22 to 26 July 2024.

These workshops were organised by the European Union funded SECCA project and the Institute for Development of Electric Power and Energy Saving (EEDI), with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

In each city, SECCA and EEDI hosted two workshops: one focusing on energy efficient budgetary (public) institutions and other on increasing EE of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Concept for Development of Energy Saving and Improvement of Energy Efficiency in the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023-2029 identifies five priority sectors – industry, energy, public sector, residential buildings, transport – where energy saving measures should be implemented first.

The Government pays particular attention to the industrial sector. Despite some steps taken towards improving EE of industry, the sector still accounts for more than a third of final energy consumption and high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, from 2014 to 2020, the buildings sector has steadily increased its energy consumption and has become the largest final energy consumer. The residential buildings sector has greater potential to reduce heat and electricity consumption, but the public buildings sector is an important intermediate step to subsequently replicate measures in the residential sector.

At the workshops, the SECCA experts presented on the European experience and best practices on improving EE, which can be applicable in Kazakhstan, and the national experts presented on the practical measures to reduce energy consumption. As a result, the participants improved their level of awareness and capacities on energy savings, energy efficiency, use of small renewable energy sources and energy management.

Workshop materials:

22 July 2024, 10h00       Energy efficient budgetary institutions of Aktau city

22 July 2024, 15h00       Increasing energy efficiency of SMEs in Mangistau region

24 July 2024, 10h00       Energy efficient budgetary institutions of Shymkent

24 July 2024, 15h00       Increasing energy efficiency of SMEs in Shymkent

26 July 2024, 10h00       Energy efficient budgetary institutions of Turkestan

26 July 2024, 15h00       Increasing energy efficiency of SMEs in Turkestan region

Issyk-Kul Region, Kyrgyz Republic –The experts of the European Union funded SECCA project and a representative of the Green Energy Fund of Kyrgyzstan visited the Karakol-1 Small Hydropower Plant (SHPP) project site. This visit followed the kick-off meeting on conducting a pre-feasibility study of a SHPP, which was held in Bishkek on 18  July 2024.

The Karakol-1 SHPP project was proposed for a model pre-feasibility study by the Green Energy Fund. It is to be developed on the site of the former Karakol HPP, which was in operation from 1948 to 1970. It is located in the Issyk-Kul region, at the Karakol River, 1 kilometer away from the region’s administrative capital Karakol city.

The model pre-feasibility study will cover the environmental impact assessment, technical feasibility assessment, legal analysis, economic viability analysis.

During the visit, the SECCA team also met with the representatives of the local government and inspected the extant civil structures of the Karakol HPP: headworks, open derivation canal, headpond, spillway, etc., and preliminarily identified 3 alternatives for the new project layout.

Background information:

Starting from May 2023, the SECCA project has been providing technical support to the Ministry of Energy and the Green Energy Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic in development of  renewable energy sources (RES). The necessary steps to be taken from RES policy development to project implementation were first introduced in one of the sessions of the Conference held within the First EU–Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days campaign; while practical aspects of small-scale RES development with a focus on small hydropower, through state-owned specialized Funds were presented in October 2023, at a technical workshop held in Bishkek. In November 2023, with the SECCA project’s support, the Kyrgyz Green Energy Fund signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Georgian Energy Development Fund (GEDF). In December 2023, SECCA and the Green Energy Fund agreed to develop a model pre-feasibility study for a SHPP. In February 2024, the Karakol-1 SHPP was pre-selected for the pre-feasibility study. On 18 July 2024, the meeting held by the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Green Energy Fund and the SECCA project kicked off the joint work on the model pre-feasibility study for the selected SHPP.

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – A kick-off meeting “Conducting a Pre-Feasibility Study – the First Step to Develop Small Hydropower Projects” was held in Bishkek and gathered the national and international experts. The meeting was organised jointly by the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Green Energy Fund under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the European Union (EU) funded SECCA project.

As part of the Kyrgyz Government’s plans to develop renewable energy sources, the country is re-discovering small hydropower (SHP). The government and private investors are building small hydropower plants (SHPP) across the country.

In December 2023, SECCA agreed with the Green Energy Fund to develop a model pre-feasibility study for a SHPP. For that, SECCA has set up a SHP team consisting of international and national experts. A pre-feasibility study is an important and integral part of SHP development. It is an early stage analysis to identify sites with enough hydraulic and economic potential. If the pre-feasibility study shows a positive base-case scenario, the investor will likely move on to the next stage, an in-depth feasibility study.

At the kick-off meeting, the representatives of SECCA presented their latest activities and plans in the field of SHP development. The experts considered the experience of the EU, the Kyrgyz Republic, and other Central Asian countries. The SHP team members presented their plans for the pre-feasibility study.

Meeting agenda and presentations

Background information:

Starting from May 2023, the SECCA project has been providing technical support to the Ministry of Energy and the Green Energy Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic in development of  renewable energy sources (RES). The necessary steps to be taken from RES policy development to project implementation were first introduced in one of the sessions of the Conference held within the First EU–Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days campaign; while practical aspects of small-scale RES development with a focus on small hydropower, through state-owned specialized Funds were presented in October 2023, at a technical workshop held in Bishkek. In November 2023, with the SECCA project’s support, the Kyrgyz Green Energy Fund signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Georgian Energy Development Fund (GEDF). In December 2023, SECCA and the Green Energy Fund agreed to develop a model pre-feasibility study for a SHPP. In February 2024, the Karakol-1 SHPP was pre-selected for the pre-feasibility study.

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – Representatives of the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, international and regional organisations, as well as the experts of the European Union (EU) funded SECCA project gathered at the Round table “Assessment of biomass potential for the Kyrgyz Republic”. The event was organised jointly by the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the SECCA project.

In line with its work plan, the SECCA project provides technical support for the assessment of the biomass potential for energy production for the Central Asian (CA) countries. For this purpose, SECCA experts have developed:

1. Methodology for the comprehensive assessment of the potential of (1.a) Solid biomass (agricultural residues, wood biomass, energy crops); (1.b) Biofuels (biodiesel, bioethanol); and (1.c) Biogas/biomethane from different types of feedstock;
2. Concept for improving technologies for processing biomass to energy, biogas and liquid biofuels in CA countries;
3. Detailed assessment of theoretical, technical and economically feasible biomass potential for Kyrgyzstan and rough assessments for Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

At the Round table, the participants reviewed and discussed the results of the assessment of biomass potential for Kyrgyzstan conducted by SECCA’s Biomass Energy Expert. The expert reported that, based on 2021 data, this potential was about 0.8 million tons of oil equivalent per year, which is equivalent to 1.14 million tons of standard fuel. In 2021, this amounted to 6.46% of the fuel and energy balance of the Kyrgyz Republic. The assessment, thus, confirms that the Kyrgyz Republic has significant biomass potential available for the production of various types of biofuels and energy.

The SECCA experts also presented experience of using biomass for producing energy, biogas, and biofuels in Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.

Round table agenda and presentations

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – The Public Buildings Inventory and Energy Management System (EMS) were the main topics of discussion at a round table “Energy efficiency in public buildings – from inventory to implementation of measures”. The event was organised jointly by the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the European Union (EU) funded SECCA project.

Kyrgyzstan has committed to an annual reduction in the energy intensity of GDP from 1-1.6% to 9.6% by 2025. Energy efficiency (EE) in the building sector is one of the priority areas of the national energy policy.

At the round table, the SECCA experts presented the approaches of the EU, its Member States, and Energy Community Contracting Parties to promotion of EE in buildings and implementation of EMS for municipalities.

Previously, based on the EU experience, the SECCA project had offered a technical support in the development of a Pilot Inventory of Public Buildings to the Science and Research Institute of Energy under the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic (Institute). The initial analysis of data shows a quite large discrepancy in data provided on specific energy consumption by square meter. The experts conclude that further analysis of the reasons of deviations is required with the overall purpose to perform data verification and in-depth analysis of the reasons for the deviations of specific energy consumption through correspondence with the owners of the pilot inventory buildings and site visits, if necessary, to review technical documentation and energy bills. This can also be considered as a first step to introduce and demonstrate the implementation of EMS elements in practice.

It is noteworthy, that at the recommendation of the SECCA project, the Institute recently conducted the first training of energy managers. The energy managers’ responsibilities are to ensure reasonable and economical use of electrical and thermal energy, as well as budgetary funds within an organisation.

SECCA will continue supporting the Institute in establishing practices and internal procedures for data verification for the purpose of developing the inventory of public buildings.

Round table materials

Mary, Turkmenistan – The International Scientific Conference “Renewable Energy Sources Transition – the Energy of the Future” was organised by the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan, and the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan. Held in the hybrid format, the event gathered representatives of the academic and expert communities.

The dynamic agenda involved a site visit to the traveling exhibition of innovative technologies of the State Energy Institute of Turkmenistan and the German Society for International Cooperation, as well as presentations and discussions by the national and international energy experts, including from the European Union (EU), the Energy Community Contracting Parties, and other countries of Central Asia.

The EU-funded SECCA project took part online and was represented by Team Leader / Key Expert 1 Paata Janelidze, Key Expert 2 Ilze Purina, international consultants Agris Kamenders, Nicolae Zacharia, and Zhaxylyk Tokayev. The experts contributed to the plenary session discussion, as well as to the sessions on innovative technologies in the field of renewable energy sources, having delivered, in particular, presentations on practical application of the EU best practices in promoting sustainable energy in Central Asia, energy efficient building certifications, energy service companies and energy performance contracting, and the experience of Kazakhstan in renewable energy development.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – The round table “Perspectives of ESCO in Uzbekistan” was organised with the aim to help national stakeholders address the level of effort required to implement the ESCO mechanism.

This event was organised jointly by the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the European Union’s SECCA project.

The discussion specifically focused on assessing the resources needed to start developing a comprehensive roadmap. The participants considered procurement, financial, and operational challenges, whereas the SECCA project experts offered practical solutions. The round table sought to enhance the capacities of local companies and the energy audit market. The event fostered a collaborative environment to share insights and strategies for successful ESCO implementation in Uzbekistan.

This round table followed the Regional Technical Workshop “ESCO – from theory to implementation practice”, which took place on 26 June 2024.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Experts from the countries of Central Asia (CA) and the European Union (EU) attended the Regional Technical Workshop “ESCO – from theory to implementation practice”. This workshop was organised jointly by the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the EU’s SECCA project.

Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable energy by enhancing energy efficiency (EE) and integrating renewable energy (RE) solutions. ESCOs provide comprehensive energy solutions, including energy audits, project design, financing, implementation, and ongoing maintenance. By guaranteeing energy savings and improving energy performance, ESCOs help reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also provides significant economic benefits by lowering energy costs and fostering the adoption of innovative energy technologies. Through their expertise and financial models, ESCOs drive the transition towards a more sustainable and energy-efficient future.

The participants reviewed and discussed the main elements of the ESCO&SuperESCO, including examples from different industries, and the experience and lessons learned of the EU Member States, Energy Community Contracting Parties, and CA countries in promoting the ESCO concept and practical implementation of projects. The workshop increased awareness of the wide range of stakeholders about the ESCO&SuperESCO models of financing EE.

The workshop was followed by a Roundtable on perspectives of ESCO in Uzbekistan, which took place on 27 June 2024.