Shaping Green Futures in Central Asia and the Caspian: Energy Week 2024
Energy Week Central Asia and Caspian 2024 recently took place in Astana, Kazakhstan, focusing on the region’s transition towards green energy. The event, held on Sept. 5-6, featured deep discussions on policy frameworks, financing renewable energy, and specific projects involving solar PV, wind energy, green hydrogen, and more.
Participants at the event highlighted the untapped renewable energy potential in the region and the favorable conditions for transitioning to clean energy. Katarzyna Wawiernia, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kazakhstan, emphasized the importance of clean and affordable energy in addressing climate disruption, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
UNDP has been actively supporting Kazakhstan in its green initiatives, including efforts to de-risk renewable energy investments and promote small-scale renewable energy projects. The organization has also been instrumental in implementing legislative amendments to encourage the growth of renewable energy sources in the country.
British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kathy Leach, discussed the positive progress in energy discussions in the country and emphasized the need for policymakers and business leaders to implement policies that attract investment for sustainable energy projects. She shared insights from the United Kingdom’s energy transition, highlighting the shift away from coal and the importance of rapid progress with the right policy frameworks.
Ambassadors from the European Union and the USAID Central Asia Regional Mission Director also emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in advancing clean energy and sustainable development goals. They highlighted the urgency of the energy transition and the need for countries to align with global green trends to remain competitive in the market.
Kazakhstan, with its ambitious goals for renewable energy capacity expansion and green hydrogen production, is making significant strides towards a sustainable future. The country plans to inaugurate several new renewable energy projects in the coming years and aims to incorporate a substantial amount of renewable energy capacity into its electric power system by 2032.
Overall, Energy Week Central Asia and Caspian 2024 provided valuable insights and discussions on the region’s path towards a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving the systemic changes necessary for a global shift towards renewable energy and inclusive green economies.
