Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – More than 50 national stakeholders of the Kyrgyz Republic, sustainable energy policymakers and experts from the European Union (EU), as well as representatives of academia, civil society, business, and international financial institutions gathered at the International Conference “Sustainable energy in Kyrgyzstan: prospects and challenges” (Conference) today.
The Conference was organised jointly by the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the EU-funded project “Sustainable Energy Connectivity in Central Asia” (SECCA). It marked the World Climate Change Day and kicked off the EU Sustainable Energy Days 2023 (SED) in the Kyrgyz Republic.
SED takes place in the Kyrgyz Republic first out of the five countries of Central Asia (CA). The purpose of this EU campaign 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.
The geography and topography of the Kyrgyz Republic makes it one of the most vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards countries in CA. The country is projected to experience temperature rises considerably above the global average. Climate change has a significant adverse effect on the energy supply, which is already under pressure. Although a relatively small emitter of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, Kyrgyzstan nevertheless committed to reduce emissions further under the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 2021. The transformation of the energy sector, which is responsible for 60% of countries GHG emissions, is at the core of the country’s mitigation plan.
The Conference provided an action-oriented forum for decision-makers and experts to share knowledge and experiences in the implementation of renewable energy and energy efficiency policies and projects in practice. In addition, the delegates from the EU and EU Member States shared experience and best practices based on the lessons learnt.
Addressing the participants, Mr Hans Farnhammer, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the Kyrgyz Republic, reiterated the EU support to the country and stated: “In November 2022, the EU launched the Global Gateway Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy and Climate Change in Central Asia. This flagship initiative aims to support regional cooperation, contribute to sustainable management of water and energy resources, address environmental and climate change challenges. The Kyrgyz Republic has made strong commitments to tackle climate change. We welcome the Kyrgyz Government’s plans to decrease the consumption of fossil fuels, scale up renewables, modernise the energy supply system and promote energy efficient consumption, and are ready to share the EU know-how and experience. As the world’s biggest donor, the EU is committed to continue supporting the country in its adaptation and mitigation efforts for a fair transition towards climate neutrality.”
During the Conference, the participants discussed development and implementation of policies on renewable energy and energy efficiency. As part of the discussion, they reviewed relevant policies and experience of the EU Member States, European Neighbourhood countries, and the CA countries, and provided recommendations for future development of the energy sector of the Kyrgyz Republic. Last but not least, the participants discussed available financial mechanisms for sustainable energy projects.
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, 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.
