Ogre, Latvia – From 27 November to 1 December 2023, Olga Soloshenko, Head teacher of Ecological-economic Lyceum №65 (Kyrgyzstan), Muhibullo Zuvaidullozoda, Head teacher of International Presidential School (Tajikistan), Kamola Azimkhodjaeva, Head teacher of School №242 (Uzbekistan), and Kulpash Ibysheva, Deputy Head teacher of School-Lyceum №59 (Kazakhstan) took part in the SECCA project’s study tour “Promotion of Energy Efficiency – Latvian Experience”.

Within the European Union – Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days 2023, these four Schools representing the capital cities Astana, Bishkek, Dushanbe, Tashkent have been awarded as “The Most Energy Efficient School” and received an invitation to participate in the study tour.

As part of the study tour, the participants visited Ogre State Gymnasium – a new public school located in the town of Ogre in Latvia. The school opened this year and provides education for almost 700 students. It is one of the most modern schools in Latvia built with the support of the European Union. Much attention was paid to environmentally friendly solutions and energy efficiency in the construction. About 100 young people and educators from other schools were also involved in the building design process, who shared their vision of what a modern, future-oriented educational institution should look like.

The building of the Ogre State Gymnasium is one of the 12 nominees of the Latvian Architecture Year Award 2023. Furthermore, in the “The Most Valuable Baltic Buildings and Projects in 2023” Competition, the school won the 1^st prize in the “Most Sustainable Project” nomination.

During the visit, Head teacher Inna Zeņkeviča warmly welcomed the guests from Central Asia and showed them around the school, and shared about sustainability practices implemented at the school.

The European Union – Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign is organised by the European Union’s SECCA project. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of all national stakeholder groups and the broader public in the region on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy.

Riga, Latvia – Students, young researchers and professionals, as well as representatives of the most energy efficient schools from the countries of Central Asia (CA) are visiting Latvia for a week-long study tour “Promotion of Energy Efficiency – Latvian Experience”. Total 12 participants from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are taking part in the event at the invitation of the European Union (EU). They are the winners of the EU contests #Reels4SustainableEnergy and for the best Sustainable Energy Mural Design, as well as the representatives of the schools nominated as “The Most Energy Efficient School” among secondary schools of the CA capitals.

The study tour, organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” from 27 November to 1 December 2023, demonstrates Latvia’s successful examples of energy efficiency (EE) and energy saving practices implemented by the public and private sectors.

“Energy Efficiency First” is a guiding principle of the EU’s energy policy, which complements other EU objectives, particularly in the areas of sustainability, climate neutrality and green growth. This principle emphasises the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption, and that only the energy really needed should be produced. Reducing energy demand, in turn, can help control the level of investment needed for the transition towards renewables.

Latvia, the EU member state, has shown a steady progress towards its national energy and climate targets. According to the Latvian Official Statistics (2023), compared to 2021, gross consumption of natural gas reduced by 28.2 % in 2022. Along with the declining use of natural gas, country’s CO₂ intensity dropped by 40 % over the last decade, and the proportion of renewables in gross energy consumption has reached 43.3 %. Latvia has the third highest share of renewables in the final energy consumption in the EU.

SECCA Key Expert Ms Ilze Purina addressed the participants: “This European Union study tour is your deserved award, and I am happy to welcome you in Latvia! It is encouraging to see that more and more young people are engaging in environmental and climate action. Our primary objective in organising this study tour is to support the youth and people who educate the youth in gaining new knowledge and skills for a green energy transition. I hope this experience will inspire your work and research further, and will thus contribute to the sustainable future of your respective countries”.

In the course of the study tour, the participants meet experts and professionals of the Latvian Ministry of Economy, Riga Energy Agency, Riga Technical University, University of Children and Youth, University for Future Engineers, Getlini solid waste landfill, Ogre Library, Ogre State Gymnasium, Electrum Energy Efficiency Centre, Cleantech Latvia, Dzintaru Concert Hall. The host organisations present their experience in EE promotion implemented through various activities, including renovation of buildings, sustainable construction, effective use of resources, interaction with the public, student education and involvement in innovation processes, and support for start-ups.

Study tour programme 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 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. Website: www.secca.eu.

For additional information and media inquiries, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Astana, Kazakhstan – Representatives of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, power industry enterprises, international organisations, and non-governmental organisations gathered at the Expert Meeting “Energy transition in the power sector of Kazakhstan” and discussed modernisation of the country’s aging energy system, deployment of renewable energy, coal dominance in electricity production and consequences of abandoning coal. The meeting was organised jointly by Agora Energiewende, ECOJER Association, and “Qazaq Green” Renewable Energy Association. The European Union’s SECCA project presented energy scenarios for Kazakhstan.

Within less than 40 years, Kazakhstan needs to find innovative solutions for the supply of heat and electricity to industry, cities, and settlements in a sharply continental climate. Experts agree that renewable electricity is a key to energy transition and achievement of carbon neutrality in Kazakhstan by 2060. As of the third quarter of 2023, the contribution of non-hydropower renewable energy sources to Kazakhstan’s electricity mix has already reached 6 %. The goal is to raise this figure to 15 % by 2030 and ambitiously target a 50 % share of alternative energy generation by 2050.

However, the outdated infrastructure and related to it bottlenecks, lack of flexibility, low electricity tariffs and resulting chronic underinvestment in the power sector present some significant challenges for Kazakhstan. The specific challenge is the abundance of coal-fired generation that impedes the achievement of 2030 NDC target (to reduce GHG emissions by 15% below 1990 levels, including LULUCF) and 2060 carbon neutrality target.[1]

At the event, SECCA project was represented by Team Leader Mr Paata Janelidze, Senior Energy Modelling Expert Mr Rocco De Miglio, and Energy Expert Mr Zhaksylyk Tokayev. Mr De Miglio presented on “From Coals to Goals: Challenges towards carbon neutrality in Kazakhstan” (see the presentation below in English and Russian).

In the scope of the SECCA project, Mr De Miglio applied an energy system model to explore the role of coal in the future energy mix of Kazakhstan under different influencing conditions.

He organised his analysis into a “large explorative exercise” with 240 cases to investigate the “combined” impact of the following influencing factors: different CO₂ prices (to represent incremental greenhouse gas mitigation ambitions), and carbon capture and storage potential, development of nuclear energy, support of coal-fired stations, costs of renewable energy sources and hydrogen, contribution of emission offset options  (to represent the associated uncertainties). The study was conducted jointly with local experts.

The key finding of this analysis is that even under the most favourable conditions, the coal consumption in the medium-long term is hardly compatible with medium-deep emissions mitigation ambitions. If new coal-based plants/facilities are built in the next years, there is high risk of “stranded” assets for Kazakhstan.

The type of model used for this analysis can be applied to investigate very different strategic questions. The SECCA team encourages the dialogue between different stakeholders and the “co-design” of additional model-based experiments to support critical thinking and decision-making.

The “core” model files are available on a collaborative platform, access can be granted to local experts and Institutions for further development and use in the framework of the SECCA project (“co-development”), and/or for independent utilisations.[2]

[1] Agora Energiewende, ECOJER Association, “Qazaq Green” Renewable Energy Association (2023), The Agenda of the Expert Meeting “Energy transition in the power sector of Kazakhstan”, 23 November 2023.

[2] To request access, contact SECCA project at info@secca.eu.

Tbilisi, Georgia – A Delegation, comprised of 16 senior government officials and energy sector experts from the countries of Central Asia (CA), at the invitation of the European Union (EU), visited Georgia for a study tour on “Sustainable Energy in Practice: Georgia’s Success and EU Best Practices”.

Organised by the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”, the study tour from 13 to 21 November 2023 showcased Georgia’s successful energy sector reforms, aligned with EU policies and Energy Community standards.

Under the European Green Deal, the EU Member States are moving towards a climate neutral economy. To ensure that no one is left behind, the EU prioritises just and inclusive energy transition globally and calls for acting decisively on renewables and energy efficiency deployment. With 70 % of its electricity sourced from renewables, Georgia stands out as a regional renewable powerhouse. Through strategic reforms aligned with EU integration and Green Deal, Georgia has transformed its energy sector, embracing renewables, ensuring energy security and making its energy sector a key driver of the regional economy. Moreover, with initiatives like the EU’s Global Gateway, Georgia aims to become a net electricity exporter to Europe.

The SECCA project applied a practice-oriented approach to link meetings, site-visits, discussions, and interactions organised within the study tour to the needs and priorities of the participants.

“Kyrgyzstan and Georgia have a lot in common in terms of nature and hydropower resources. With the helpful coordination by the European Union’s SECCA project, we signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgian Energy Development Fund (GEDF) during this study tour to establish cooperation and exchange experience and best practices. Of particular interest to us is the GEDF’s experience in identifying promising renewable energy projects and supporting their development through pre-feasibility studies and preliminary environmental impact assessments, as well as promotion of green investments”, stated Mr Emilbek Orozbaev, Director of the Green Energy Fund under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic.

“Increasing energy efficiency and diversifying energy supply through renewables are national priorities for Uzbekistan. During this study tour, the host organisations provided comprehensive information on how Georgia is addressing growing domestic energy demand and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, by aligning policies with those of the European Union and developing the renewable energy sector. There are many conclusions drawn that we can refine and apply in our countries,” said Mr Sanjar Kasimov, Chief Specialist of the Department of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Energy Audit of the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The programme provided opportunity for extensive knowledge sharing between the participants and local experts from governmental and non-governmental organisations, private sector players, and investors. The CA delegates gained first-hand knowledge on overall policy and legal framework for the promotion of sustainable energy, integrated energy and climate planning, practical aspects of promotion of energy efficiency in buildings and industry, project development and implementation, promotion of green investments, renewable energy auctions, and regional networks.

“This study tour aligns with the EU’s international efforts to promote sustainable energy policies, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy efficiency to meet the Paris Agreement targets by all partner countries. It underscores the significance of international cooperation in achieving just energy transition. Main goals of this study tour were to enhance capacities of national governments, mutual exchange of knowledge and skills, review of practical policy development aspects. I hope within these days we achieved our goals and will continue our collaboration back in the region”, concluded Mr Paata Janelidze, SECCA Team Leader.

Study tour programme and presentations

About 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. Website: www.secca.eu.

For additional information and media inquiries, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu. 

Tbilisi, Georgia – Mr Emilbek Orozbaev, Director of the Green Energy Fund of Kyrgyzstan (the Fund), and Mr Jaba Khmaladze, CEO of JSC “Georgian Energy Development Fund” (GEDF), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 17 November 2023 with the support of the European Union’s project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)”.

The primary objective of this MoU is to establish cooperation between the parties in the field of renewable energy development. The parties agreed to exchange information concerning the regulatory framework, technical standards, awareness raising and best practices. This exchange is essential to ensure informed decision-making and promote successful project implementation.

“The GEDF’s experience in identifying promising renewable energy projects and supporting their development through pre-feasibility studies and preliminary environmental impact assessments, as well as promotion of green investments are of particular interest for us. With the helpful coordination by the SECCA project, we signed this Memorandum of Understanding, the starting point of our cooperation”, stated Mr Orozbaev.

“Signing of the MoU is an important step. There are already further activities planned. With the SECCA’s support, GEDF will develop a business model for operation of the Green Energy Fund. We will do financial modelling and pre-feasibility study for small hydropower projects. In March-April 2024, we plan to present the results of these activities to our partners in Kyrgyzstan”, said Mr Paata Janelidze, SECCA Team Leader.

The representatives of the Fund and GEDF were first introduced to each other in Bishkek at the International Conference “Sustainable energy in Kyrgyzstan: prospects and challenges” organised jointly by the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the SECCA project on 15 May 2023. On 5 October 2023, at the SECCA technical workshop also organised in Bishek, GEDF presented its experience in promoting hydropower, approach to development of pre-investment documentation, and financing schemes for small hydropower projects.

Background:

Founded in November 2022 by the Cabinet of Ministries of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Green Energy Fund’s mission is to develop an effective public administration system in the green energy sector. The Fund has been tasked to accumulate funds to finance, maintain, subsidies, repair, reconstruct and construct renewable energy facilities, as well as to stimulate the development, implementation and production of energy-saving renewable energy technologies.

Founded in 2010, JSC “Georgian Energy Development Fund” is managed by the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia. GEDF’s mission is to promote realisation of country’s energy potential, retrieval of appropriate funds, by developing projects and their effective implementation. The main goals of GEDF are search for perspective projects of renewable energy sources and promotion of their development.

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 Communication Expert, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, email: delegation-kyrgyzstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – The Award Ceremony to recognise the most energy efficient school of the city of Dushanbe was held today. International Presidential School (School) was recognised as the most energy efficient of the capital city.

The Ceremony was organised by the EU’s project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia (SECCA)” and held as part of the European Union (EU) Green Diplomacy Week and EU–Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days. It was attended by teachers, students, parents, the Dushanbe city administration, representatives of the EU and its Member States.

In his address to the event participants, H.E. Mr Raimundas Karoblis, EU Ambassador to Tajikistan, stated:

“It is with a great pleasure and honour I present this Award to the International Presidential School. Congratulations! Choosing to save energy, using it more efficiently, protecting natural resources and the environment today will ensure a better and healthier future for all of us and generations to come. The youth can and should tackle green transition, contribute to promotion of careful use of electricity and heat at school and at home, set patterns to others, including to us, the adults. “The most energy efficient school” Award is a collective accomplishment of teachers and students of this School, as well as their contribution to the sustainable growth of the country. I sincerely wish other schools and institutions will follow your example.”

This nomination follows the desk research conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan. The EU’s Award recognizes the School’s efficient energy consumption, the readiness to implement energy efficient technologies, as well as the teachers’ contribution in fostering schoolchildren’s skills of careful and rational use of energy resources, achieving sustained energy savings, and promoting sustainable energy consumption patterns.

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

The Award Ceremony was then followed by a flashmob of schoolchildren on electric scooters “Reduce carbon, save the Earth!” The purpose of the flashmob was to draw attention to the fact that transport produces high level of greenhouse gas emissions and to inspire people to reduce their carbon footprint, opt for zero-emission mobility by switching to more eco-friendly solutions.

Background:

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

The EU Green Diplomacy Weeks is part of the annual global campaign launched by the European Union and its Member States to spark conversations and inspire action for the environment and climate. Under the theme “A Global Just Energy Transition,” this year’s EU Green Diplomacy Weeks focus on accelerating energy efficiency and the deployment of renewable energy sources. The Green Diplomacy Weeks consist of a number of public diplomacy events organised by EU Delegations all over the world, during the period September – November 2023.

The EU–Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days is part of the broader EU–Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of all national stakeholder groups and the broader public in the region on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Tajikistan: Mahbuba.ABDULLOEVA@eeas.europa.eu. 

Dushanbe, Tajikistan – Energy security is a national priority of Tajikistan. Although the country is endowed with abundant water resources, its hydropower has a clear seasonality with supply shortages happening frequently in winter months. Hence, energy policy focuses on providing uninterrupted energy access to all users, improving regional cooperation and energy efficiency (EE), as well as diversifying energy sources.

Improved EE and diversified supply from renewables (solar and wind), as envisaged by the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for the period up to 2030, will have many benefits for the country’s socio-economic development and the environment. Besides reducing reliance on fuel imports to address growing energy demand and supply shocks, the development of the sustainable energy sector will help mitigate negative effects of climate change and reduce emissions that are harmful to human health and the environment, cut costs, and create new jobs and economic opportunities for the population and the industry.

Scaling up EE in municipal water and wastewater services, as well as improving energy and water use in irrigation are equally important aspects to address in the country. Sector governance issues, knowledge gaps and financing obstacles are challenges that calls for developing and implementing cross-sectoral policies and strategies, promoting policy coherence between energy, water and key related areas.

Against this background, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan and the EU organised the International Conference “Energy Efficiency in Tajikistan: prospects and challenges” (Conference) on 25-26 October in Dushanbe. The conference took place in the context of the EU’s Green Diplomacy Week and EU–Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days 2023 campaigns. More than 90 stakeholders, energy policymakers and professionals, representatives of academia and civil society from the Republic of Tajikistan and the European Union (EU), as well as international organisations and international financial institutions gathered to share experiences and best practices in the implementation of energy efficiency (EE) policies based on lessons learned by EU Member States (EU MSs) and Energy Community Contracting Parties (EnC CPs).

Addressing the participants of the Conference, H.E. Mr Raimundas Karoblis, EU Ambassador to Tajikistan, stated: “The European Union commends Tajikistan’s efforts in pursuing ambitious energy sector reforms and welcomes the country’s endeavours to promote energy efficiency and scale up renewable energy. The 2030 National Development Strategy sets clear goals and plays a pivotal role in the country’s desired level of sustainable economic development and improved standards of living of the population. We encourage Tajikistan to continue its efforts on achieving steady and inclusive green growth. The EU will continue supporting a just energy transition in Tajikistan and the whole Central Asian region.”

Currently, Tajikistan is at the stage of designing policies and implementation mechanisms to promote end-use EE, i.e. efficient energy use by various end-use sectors like residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation with less energy input, reduced wasted energy and costs. Therefore, now is the right time to identify the way forward with key national stakeholders, international donors, and other partners and to seize the opportunity to integrate lessons learned and experiences gained in the EU MSs and EnC CPs into the further process of sustainable energy policy development in Tajikistan.

During the Conference, the delegates discussed the design and implementation of EE policies and reviewed the EU experience in promoting end-use EE, eco-design and energy labelling of electric appliances, as well as the EU approach to the promotion of EE in buildings. Improvement of EE in irrigation systems was also reviewed. In addition, the examples and experience of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, and development partners’ initiatives in RE and EE fields in Tajikistan were considered. Last but not least, potential for development of small-scale RE in Tajikistan was also examined.

Background:

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

The Energy Community is an international organisation which brings together the European Union and its neighbours to create an integrated pan-European energy market. Its key objective is to extend the EU internal energy market rules and principles to countries in South East Europe, the Black Sea region and beyond on the basis of a legally binding framework. The Energy Community has nine Contracting Parties: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine.

The EU Green Diplomacy Weeks is part of the annual global campaign launched by the European Union and its Member States to spark conversations and inspire action for the environment and climate. Under the theme “A Global Just Energy Transition,” this year’s EU Green Diplomacy Weeks focus on accelerating energy efficiency and the deployment of renewable energy sources. The Green Diplomacy Weeks consist of a number of public diplomacy events organised by EU Delegations all over the world, during the period September – November 2023.

The EU–Tajikistan Sustainable Energy Days is part of the broader EU–Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of all national stakeholder groups and the broader public in the region on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy.

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Tajikistan: Mahbuba.ABDULLOEVA@eeas.europa.eu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The EU–Uzbekistan Sustainable Energy Days is part of the broader EU – Central Asia Sustainable Energy Days campaign. Its purpose is to enhance the awareness of all national stakeholder groups and the broader public in the region on the significance, benefits and accessibility of sustainable energy. Multiple events took place within this campaign in Uzbekistan, including the International Conference “Energy Efficiency in Uzbekistan: prospects and challenges”, the technical workshop “Energy audits in buildings – from theory to practice”, and other bilateral meetings and consultations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For additional information, please contact Mrs Yelena Serebrennikova, Communication strategist, SECCA, email: media@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77019814020, Mrs Nurgul Smagulova-Dulic, Digital Communication Expert, SECCA, email: nurgul.smagulova@secca.eu, WhatsApp: +77012066760, or the EU Delegation to Kazakhstan: delegation-kazakhstan-pic@eeas.europa.eu.