Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- As Energy Week Central Asia & Mongolia 2023 is fast approaching, the conference agenda promises a resounding success while bringing together the region and supporting the transition to clean energy for all. 

High-level officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, foreign diplomatic missions will be delivering welcome addresses during the event’s opening ceremony. 

During the two days to follow global developers, investors and independent power producers such as Total Eren, ACWA Power, Svevind, EDF, and Voltalia will be discussing the region’s green transition with international financial institutions, development finance institutions, state companies from across the region and investment funds. 

WHAT IT TAKES FOR THE REGION TO BECOME A CLEAN ENERGY HUB

Central Asia's transformation into a clean energy hub hinges on multifaceted factors, addressing both regional energy security and global sustainability imperatives. The region's potential lies in harnessing its abundant renewable resources, primarily solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. To achieve this, fostering a robust policy framework that encourages private and foreign investments is paramount. Central Asia must streamline regulatory processes, enhance grid infrastructure, and offer attractive incentives to entice global developers. By creating a conducive environment, the region can attract the financial inflow necessary to bolster its clean energy sector. The potential for regional and international cooperation is substantial. Collaborative initiatives can facilitate technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and joint infrastructure projects, fostering a virtuous cycle of progress. Through alliances, Central Asia can access funding, expertise, and markets while contributing to global sustainable goals. Ultimately, the region's ascension as a clean energy hub necessitates visionary leadership, pragmatic policies, and strategic partnerships to harness its inherent potential and secure a prosperous, green energy future. 

Kazakh Samruk Energy and KOREM, Singaporean government-owned consultancy Surbana Jurong, the largest renewables cluster of Turkey ENSiA will be on the panel to discuss what it takes for the region to become a clean energy hub. 

POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS TO ENABLE GREEN SHIFT 

The renewable energy sector in Central Asia confronts a range of challenges, from inadequate infrastructure to unreliable funding mechanisms. These hurdles can be surmounted through strategic policy and regulatory frameworks that incentivize renewable energy adoption. Implementing transparent and stable regulations, backed by a commitment to honor international agreements, fosters investor confidence. Leveraging public-private partnerships and offering financial incentives such as tax breaks or subsidies can also encourage private sector participation. Central Asian countries' ongoing and planned sector reforms should prioritize market liberalization, grid modernization, and skill development to ensure sustainable growth. By nurturing an enabling environment through forward-looking policies, Central Asia can usher in a green shift that not only addresses local energy challenges but also positions the region competitively in the global clean energy race.

The World Bank, USAID and Italian Eni are among the presenters. 

FINANCING RENEWABLE ENERGY

Financing renewable energy in Central Asia is an essential step towards sustainable development and energy security in the region. As countries in Central Asia look to diversify their energy sources and reduce their carbon footprint, investing in renewables such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power has gained significant importance. To make this transition, attracting both domestic and foreign investment is crucial. 

Marat Yelibayev, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Lending of Development Bank of Kazakhstan, Manas Gizhduaniyev, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board at AIFC Green Finance Centre, Yerlan Ramazanov, Associate Director, Regional Head, Energy Eurasia, Middle East and Africa, Sustainable Infrastructure Group at EBRD will be presenting among eminent speakers. 

SOLAR ENERGY AND STORAGE

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies hold immense promise for Central Asia as the region seeks to tap into its abundant solar resources and achieve energy independence. The ample sunlight throughout the year makes solar PV an ideal choice for generating clean electricity and diversifying the energy mix. Central Asian countries can leverage advancements in solar technology to establish grid-connected solar farms, distributed solar installations, and off-grid systems to power remote areas. With decreasing costs of solar panels and improving efficiency, these nations can harness solar energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and create job opportunities in the renewable energy sector. By strategically adopting solar PV technologies and fostering innovation in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, Central Asia can make significant strides towards a sustainable energy future.

The world’s most innovative and bankable solar brands such as Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, Huawei, and Sungrow will share their experience. 

WIND ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS

Wind energy developments in Central Asia and Mongolia are gaining momentum as these regions recognize the substantial potential of harnessing wind power for sustainable electricity generation. The vast and relatively untapped wind resources in these areas present a valuable opportunity to diversify their energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 

Mongolia’s experience will be shared by Dagva Gankhuyag, CEO of Clean Energy Asia and Chief

Infrastructure Officer of Newcom. 

GREEN HYDROGEN FUTURE

The green hydrogen future of Central Asia holds immense promise as the region looks to capitalize on its renewable energy potential and contribute to a global low-carbon economy. Abundant solar and wind resources offer a unique advantage in producing green hydrogen through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. Central Asian countries are strategically positioned to become major green hydrogen exporters, leveraging their geographical proximity to energy-intensive markets in Europe and Asia. By investing in large-scale green hydrogen production facilities and associated infrastructure, these nations can not only reduce their own carbon emissions but also establish themselves as key players in the emerging hydrogen economy. Collaborative efforts among governments, industries, and international partners are essential to overcome technological, regulatory, and logistical challenges, ensuring that the green hydrogen future of Central Asia becomes a pivotal driver of sustainable development and energy transformation on a global scale.

The event’s partner Delegation of German Economy in Central Asia will be hosting a discussion with KasMunayGas, HYRASIA ENERGY (Svevind), ACWA Power, GIZ and others. 

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

Transitioning towards a greener energy mix, including hydropower, requires addressing technological, regulatory, and financial obstacles. Technologically, improving the efficiency and environmental impact of hydropower installations is paramount. Ensuring proper environmental assessments and mitigating impacts on aquatic ecosystems is crucial. Regulation-wise, consistent standards and regulations need to be established across the region to facilitate project approvals and implementation. Financially, attracting investments through favorable policies, incentives, and financial mechanisms is essential to fund hydropower projects and overcome economic challenges.

Once again, the region will be united in this discussion between state companies of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan with international institutions such as the International Hydropower Association. 

Official website & registrations: www.camoenergyweek.com.