INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION PROMOTES ENERGY TRANSITION IN CENTRAL ASIA

Energy-rich Central Asia is open to international cooperation towards a cost-effective, low-carbon, climate-resilient economy through increased use of renewable energy sources and improved energy efficiency. In adapting national energy strategies to new realities and modern requirements, in expanding regional cooperation in the field of energy and realizing the huge potential of renewable energy sources, the countries of the region cooperate, in particular, with USAID, the world's leading agency for international development of the United States.

For example, the USAID Energy of Central Asia project, designed for the period from October 2020 to September 2025, assists five Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - in achieving their national and regional energy security priorities. and in reaping economic benefits from regional electricity trade. The project works closely with national governments and key energy stakeholders to address three main challenges: updating national energy strategies and developing an optimal market design, including legal, institutional, regulatory and technical frameworks; expanding clean and renewable energy volumes and integrating clean energy and energy efficiency into energy planning; promoting regional energy cooperation through cross-border electricity trade and open access to generation and transmission networks.

Through this project, USAID provides technical assistance to national governments, businesses, and other stakeholders, including international development agencies and organizations, system operators, and local and international investors. USAID's Energy of Central Asia Project supports cross-cutting areas of professional development by contributing to strengthening human resources and professionalism of local energy professionals, as well as increasing private sector investment and leveraging the expertise of local organizations. Such international projects are helping to accelerate the transition to clean energy, diversify energy sources and create competitive markets in Central Asia.

Ogulgozel Rejepova

International cooperation promotes energy transition in Central Asia (turkmenistan.gov.tm)