Ashgabat, Turkmenistan – Representatives of the Ministry of Education, research institutions, and universities of Turkmenistan, the European Union (EU) diplomats and project experts, as well as the delegates from other Central Asian countries attended the International Conference “Opportunities for Turkmenistan’s Participation in Horizon Europe”.

This event was organised by the European Union (EU) funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” with the support of the Ministry of Education.

Horizon Europe is the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme with an ambitious budget of EUR 95.5 billion. One of its key advantages is the comprehensive approach, fostering collaborations across various sectors and disciplines. Participation in the programme offers funding and facilitates international cooperation and access to new markets, addressing global challenges such as climate change, green transition and digital transformation.

The Conference raised awareness among participants about the programme with a specific focus on its Cluster 5 “Climate, Energy, and Mobility.” It presented funding opportunities, participation rules and conditions, and highlighted projects and initiatives supported by the programme in the Central Asia region.

Featuring speakers from the Energy Community and Central Asia, the event showcased how Horizon Europe can support international research collaboration, particularly in areas such as sustainable energy. The participants also gained practical insights from Kazakhstan’s experience in participating in the programme and promoting it at the national level, and got a unique opportunity to network and share knowledge.

Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic – Kyrgyzstan appointed Mr Khanchoro Murzaliev as a National Contact Point (NCP) for the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme cluster 5, which focuses on “Climate, Energy and Mobility”. As the NCP, he 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 Kyrgyzstan and other countries of Central Asia to create pre-conditions and build capacities for more active participation in the programme. It will provide capacity building support to Mr Murzaliev to ensure he can effectively fulfill his 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 Mr Murzaliev, please visit this page.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Key Expert Ilze Purina, Senior Expert Natalia Shatirishvili, and National Coordinator in Uzbekistan Gayrat Tashmatov met with Nabijon Holov, the newly-appointed National Contact Point (NCP) of Uzbekistan for the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme. Representatives of research institutions and universities, as well as the NCP of Kazakhstan Dr Aliya Sembayeva also attended the meeting.

The experts discussed promotion of Horizon Europe in Uzbekistan, which has started establishing the NCPs Network to provide for more active participation of the country’s research institutions in the programme. Currently, Uzbekistan also considers appointing NCP for Cluster 5 “Climate, Energy and Mobility”. The parties agreed that, once appointed, the SECCA project would support the work and build capacity of Cluster 5 NCP. Dr Sembayeva in her turn shared about the experience of Kazakhstan in the establishment of the NCPs and involvement in the programme.

Uzbekistan has significant research capacity, and the scientists and researchers stand to benefit greatly from the participation in Horizon Europe. To raise awareness about it, the SECCA project also held the workshop “Unlocking EU-CA Research Cooperation under Horizon Europe” on 21 November 2024 in Tashkent. It was organised within the European Union – Uzbekistan Sustainable Energy Days  in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The EU-funded SECCA project will continue assisting the Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, with creating conditions and building capacity for more active participation in the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme by providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.

For contact details of Mr Holov, please visit this page.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan – Representatives of the government bodies, universities, research institutions, and innovation agencies attended the workshop “Unlocking European Union – Central Asia Research Cooperation under Horizon Europe”. This event was held as part of the European Union – Uzbekistan Sustainable Energy Days 2024 and was organised by the European Union (EU) funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” in cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovations of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Horizon Europe is the EU’s flagship programme for research and innovation. It is one of the largest research and innovation funding programme in the world, covering the period from 2021 to 2027 with a total budget of EUR 95.5 billion. The programme provides funding for projects in the EU Member States and third countries, including Central Asian Republics. Total 33 projects and 47 organisations in Central Asia have already benefited from participation in Horizon Europe and its predecessor Horizon 2020.

The workshop specifically demonstrated the relevance of Horizon Europe’s Cluster 5 – “Climate, Energy, and Mobility” – to participants in Uzbekistan by showcasing funding opportunities, projects and initiatives financed by the programme. Activities within Cluster 5 Work Programme support research and innovations related to the implementation of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and thus facilitate green transition, provide for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and foster a clean energy system, as well as efficient, sustainable and inclusive access to energy.

Addressing the participants, Mr Alexander Zenebe, Programme Manager of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, stated: “One of the key advantages of Horizon Europe is its comprehensive approach, fostering collaborations across various sectors and disciplines. The Programme provides opportunities to Uzbekistani scientists, higher education institutions, research institutes to attract international funding, and also to facilitate international networking and access to new markets, addressing global challenges such as climate change, green transition and digital transformation. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan prioritises the rapid development of a green economy and has set a grand goal of achieving 40% green energy by 2030. The EU welcomes Uzbekistan’s commitments to be part of the global energy transition. We foster the country’s energy resilience through sharing our best available technologies and expertise in renewables and energy efficiency, as well as through the opportunities provided by Horizon Europe to facilitate the green transition.”

Uzbekistan has significant research capacity. Featuring the EU, Energy Community and national speakers from Central Asia, the event highlighted how Horizon Europe can assist in strengthening international research collaboration, particularly in areas such as sustainable energy. The EU-funded SECCA project assists Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, with creating conditions and building capacity for more active participation in Horizon Europe by providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and cross-border knowledge-sharing.

Workshop agenda and presentations

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 campaign is organised yearly in the countries of Central Asia by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”.

The EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” (from March 2022 to March 2026) aims to promote a sustainable energy mix in the Central Asia region in line with EU best practices. To fulfil its mission, SECCA strives to provide for strengthened and more inclusive policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the transition to a sustainable energy system, within a regional context, and focuses on contributing to the fulfilment of international human rights commitments in CA countries, including equal access to energy, and supporting gender inclusive policies and legislation for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). The project activities include capacity development for EE and RE deployment, awareness raising on EE and RE, and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

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

Uzbekistan – From 18 to 21 November 2024, the Second European Union – Uzbekistan Sustainable Energy Days took place in the cities of Samarkand and Tashkent. Organised annually by the European Union (EU), this campaign engages and fosters dialogue on energy transition among policymakers, experts, academia, businesses, and general public, including youth and children. It featured a variety of activities, such as an award ceremony to recognise the Most Energy Efficient School, a university student debate, and a Horizon Europe workshop on research cooperation.

This year, the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA) partnered with the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Agency for Strategic Reforms under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to organise the campaign events.

Mr Wim RIEPMA, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Uzbekistan, stated:“Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires prioritising the green energy transition. Events like the Sustainable Energy Days are important, as they bring us together to explore innovative solutions that not only protect our environment but also drive economic growth and energy security. By working together, we can make meaningful progress towards climate resilience and a sustainable future that benefits everyone. Uzbekistan is actively developing renewable energy, in particular solar and wind energy.  The European Union welcomes Uzbekistan’s plans to increase the share of renewable energy up to 40 % in its energy mix and the country’s energy efficiency by 1,5 times by 2030. The EU remains dedicated to supporting the country on this path.”

In Samarkand, the EU recognised Secondary School №9 as the Most Energy Efficient School. The Award Ceremony raised the children’s awareness about the connection between energy and climate, built their skills for the thoughtful use of energy resources, encouraged creative thinking about sustainable energy solutions to protect climate and environment on the Planet.

In Tashkent, the students and faculty staff of 5 universities took part in the lectures and debates on sustainable energy. The students of Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Tashkent State Technical University Named after Islam Karimov, Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent, Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Agricultural Mechanization Engineers, and Tashkent Institute of Chemical Technology debated on a green energy vision for Tashkent. The EU awarded these students with a free access to the Energy training to be delivered online by the Florence School of Regulation (Italy) – a European centre of excellence for innovative trainings on energy and climate.

In addition, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation and the SECCA project held a workshop “Unlocking EU–Central Asia Research Cooperation under Horizon Europe” for the country’s education and research institutions. It showcased the funding opportunities, projects and initiatives funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe programme in Central Asia, and demonstrated how it can assist in strengthening international research collaboration.

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 campaign is organised yearly in the countries of Central Asia by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”.

The EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” (from March 2022 to March 2026) aims to promote a sustainable energy mix in the Central Asia region in line with EU best practices. To fulfil its mission, SECCA strives to provide for strengthened and more inclusive policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the transition to a sustainable energy system, within a regional context, and focuses on contributing to the fulfilment of international human rights commitments in CA countries, including equal access to energy, and supporting gender inclusive policies and legislation for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). The project activities include capacity development for EE and RE deployment, awareness raising on EE and RE, and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

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

Samarkand, Uzbekistan – The European Union (EU) recognised Secondary School №9 as the Most Energy Efficient School of the Samarkand city. The Award Ceremony, organised as part of the Second European Union – Uzbekistan Sustainable Energy Days, gathered schoolchildren, teachers, parents, representatives of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MoPSE), as well as the EU project experts. The event was organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” in cooperation with MoPSE.

The Ceremony was followed by an introductory lesson and quiz for the students in grades 5-7. As a result, the event raised the children’s awareness about the connection between energy and climate, built their skills  for the thoughtful and efficient use of natural and energy resources, encouraged curiosity and creative thinking about renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions to protect climate and environment on the Planet.

Addressing the event participants, Mr Paata Janelidze, Team Leader of the SECCA project, said: “I sincerely congratulate Secondary School №9 on this remarkable achievement. It is important to note that this initiative goes beyond energy conservation. Climate change and air pollution not only affect our health, but also endanger the iconic architectural landmarks, which have stood for centuries. By embracing sustainable practices and reducing pollution, we are creating a healthier environment for future generations and preserving Samarkand’s treasured monuments and history. Our project is proud to support these efforts in collaboration with the state partners, working together to protect the environment and empower local communities.”

Ms Dilbar Mavlonova, School Principal, noted: “We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition and feel inspired to lead by example. Indeed, small, everyday actions can contribute to a greener future. We are grateful for the support from the European Union and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education. I am confident that our schoolchildren and teachers will remember this day and celebration for a long time, and that the new knowledge and skills they have gained will inspire them to continue making a positive impact on the sustainable development of our country.”

The assessment of energy efficiency indicators and selection of the school had been conducted by the SECCA project based on data provided by MoPSE.

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 campaign is organised yearly in the countries of Central Asia by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”.

The EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” (from March 2022 to March 2026) aims to promote a sustainable energy mix in the Central Asia region in line with EU best practices. To fulfil its mission, SECCA strives to provide for strengthened and more inclusive policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the transition to a sustainable energy system, within a regional context, and focuses on contributing to the fulfilment of international human rights commitments in CA countries, including equal access to energy, and supporting gender inclusive policies and legislation for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). The project activities include capacity development for EE and RE deployment, awareness raising on EE and RE, and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

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

Astana, Kazakhstan – The European Union (EU) funded SECCA project produced two videos on the use of energy efficient technologies in apartment buildings and alternative energy sources in households. The videos were produced with the support of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Electric Power and Energy Saving Development Institute, and were funded by the EU.

About 1/4 of all energy produced in the Central Asian region (CA) and 1/3 of all energy produced in Kazakhstan is used for space heating. At the same time, the building sector consumes the most energy (33.4%).[1]

Many apartment buildings in the region were built in the 1960s and 1970s, when energy efficiency and insulation were rarely considered in construction. There are more than 2 mln households in Kazakhstan, but the population is still not widely aware of the new energy efficient appliances and renewable energy technologies that can be used at home and bring benefits, such as lower utility bills, better air quality, reduced carbon footprint. In addition, the population often perceives energy as an unlimited resource, not realising the limitations of traditional energy sources and the negative impact of their extraction and overconsumption on the environment, the climate, and, as a consequence, the health and well-being of people and the economic development of the country.

Promoting habits of rational use of energy resources, as well as investment in energy efficient and renewable energy technologies can significantly reduce energy consumption at the apartment buildings and household levels. The videos are aimed at raising public awareness of modern green technologies in construction, as well as creating demand for environmentally sustainable buildings. This, in turn, will stimulate market development and increase supply from construction companies and material producers.

The videos will run on the television, screens at public spaces, and social media. They were produced in Kazakh and Russian. The English subtitles are available in the Kazakh versions.

[1] International Energy Agency (2022), Kazakhstan Energy Review 2022, p. 123. Available at: https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/fc84229e-6014-4400-a963-bccea29e0387/Kazakhstan2022.pdf.

Video 1 on Energy Efficiency in apartment buildings

In Kazakh with English subtitles:

In Russian:

Video 2 on Alternative Energy Sources in households

In Kazakh with English subtitles:

In Russian:

“Energiya Joly” is a podcast launched by the SECCA Project, which explores the path to sustainable energy in Central Asia.

Its Second Episode is about prospects and challenges of the renewable energy deployment in Kazakhstan. The host and guests consider the current state of the sector, the main results, as well as the main problems and ways to solve them. Particular attention is paid to regional cooperation and analysis of the European Union’s experience to increase ambitions in the field of renewable energy production.

Host: Zhaksylyk Tokayev, Energy and Climate Expert, SECCA’s National Coordinator in Kazakhstan.

Guests: Ainur Sospanova, Chairman of the Board of the Renewable Energy Association “Qazaq Green”, and Gulzhan Nalibayeva, General Director of Settlement and Financial Center for Renewable Energy Support LLP.

Watch the full episode here:

Podcast channel on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EnergiyaJoly.

The European Union funded SECCA Project launched a new podcast “Energiya Joly”. It explores the path to sustainable energy in Central Asia.

The Podcast particularly aims to communicate the key sustainable energy and climate developments, challenges and opportunities in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

The Podcast is produced in the Russian language only and is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EnergiyaJoly.

Its Host is Mr Zhaksylyk Tokayev, energy and climate expert, SECCA’s National Coordinator in Kazakhstan.

The guests of the first episode are Mr Abdulla Ushurov, entrepreneur and founder of Elcomtel, and Mr Erlan Dairbekov, energy expert and one of the developers of amendments to the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on small-scale renewable energy sources.

This episode covers key aspects of small-scale renewables: from technology selection and grid connection to legislative changes and prospects in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.

Watch the first episode here:

Kyrgyz Republic – From 21 to 25 October 2024, the Second European Union – Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days took place in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. Organised annually by the European Union (EU) in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Kyrgyz Republic, this campaign engages and fosters dialogue on sustainable energy transition among energy experts, policymakers, civil society, businesses, youth, and children. The event featured a variety of activities, including expert discussions, a student debate, and the Most Energy Efficient School award ceremony.

H.E. Marilyn Josefson, Ambassador of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, stated: “The EU welcomes Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to a sustainable energy future and supports the endorsement of its Energy Programme 2035, which provides for the clean energy path. The EU – Kyrgyzstan Sustainable Energy Days are a testament to our shared commitment to promoting sustainable energy with an ultimate goal to address and adapt to climate change. Through this initiative, we aim to empower policymakers, businesses, and the younger generation to advance green growth in Kyrgyzstan. This event not only raises awareness about the economic and social benefits of sustainable energy, but also encourages everyone to actively participate in building a greener, more resilient future.”

In Osh, the European Union awarded Secondary School №14 named after K. Altybaev as the Most Energy Efficient School. The Award Ceremony was attended by students, teachers, parents, representatives of the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Education and Science, the Department of Education of the Osh city, as well as the EU diplomats and EU project experts.

In Bishkek, the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after I. Razzakov became a stage for the Student Lectures and Debate on sustainable energy. The students from the Kyrgyz Agrarian University named after Skryabin (KAU), and the International University of Innovative Technologies (IUIT) also took part. They explored the EU approaches to renewable energy and energy efficiency and debated solutions for sustainable building design in Kyrgyzstan. The EU awarded all participating students with a free access to the Energy training delivered online by the Florence School of Regulation (Italy), a European centre of excellence for innovative trainings on energy and climate.

All campaign actions were implemented by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” from the EU side. The project experts and the local “Unison Group” environmental advisory firm also held a panel discussion at the Central Asian Regional Forum “Green Economy 2024” organised by the Ministry of Energy and conducted a side event for policymakers and businesses in the construction sector. They shared the EU and Member States experiences in green construction and sustainable building practices.

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

The EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” (from March 2022 to March 2026) aims to promote a sustainable energy mix in the Central Asia region in line with EU best practices. To fulfil its mission, SECCA strives to provide for strengthened and more inclusive policy, regulatory and institutional framework for the transition to a sustainable energy system, within a regional context, and focuses on contributing to the fulfilment of international human rights commitments in CA countries, including equal access to energy, and supporting gender inclusive policies and legislation for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). The project activities include capacity development for EE and RE deployment, awareness raising on EE and RE, and improving investment climate for EE and RE projects.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Senior Strategic Communication Expert, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication and Media Relations Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, email: delegation-kyrgyzstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.